The Challenge

In 1996, University of Minnesota Clinical Associates was a billing office faced with creating economies of scale for its 18 operating groups, and in need of a strong management infrastructure. Within five years, and with the help of Wipfli, the organization streamlined itself into one entity--University of Minnesota Physicians--and repositioned itself as an organization “specializing in breakthroughs.” Wipfli was there every step of the way making its own breakthroughs in University of Minnesota Physicians’ finance, information systems, and human resource departments. When Wipfli was again hired, this time to perform an audit, the organization lost its finance director, and Wipfli stepped in to make an even greater impact.

The Strategy

By providing interim finance expertise, Wipfli was able to look more closely at the organization and uncover opportunities for its improvement. Wipfli professionals helped University of Minnesota Physicians manage its growth and solidify its infrastructure.

• Strengthened internal controls and designed policies and procedures to safeguard assets
• Dissolved its 18 DPGs and built a better infrastructure for growth
• Examined accounts receivable and recommended ways to better use information in decision-making
• Consolidated fee schedule from 17 different schedules into one, thereby increasing reimbursements
• Revamped the organization’s physician benefits
• Served as a liaison between University of Minnesota Physicians, the university, and its related entities

The Results

Wipfli recommendations have resulted in major cost savings and revenue enhancement for University of Minnesota Physicians. For example, a recommendation to diversify its investments has resulted in more than $700,000 in interest income. In addition, Wipfli’s involvement with University of Minnesota Physicians’ IDX practice management system and Great Plains Dynamics has given the organization the data it needs to create opportunities and save money. In fact, Wipfli decreased University of Minnesota Physicians’ payment in audit costs to itself through improved utilization of the IDX system.