2014

Showing 641–656 of 740 results

  • The wide world of claims fraud (and how to come out on top)

    Winter 2014
    Newsletter: Expert / Valuation & Litigation Concepts

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 444

    Abstract: These days a variety of businesses deal regularly with claims that present the opportunity for fraud, ranging from false health care and other benefits claims to dishonest rebate and warranty claims. But technological advances over the last decade or so have given rise to the emergence of data and predictive analytics — powerful tools for combating fraud when in the right hands. To make the most of such analytics, companies need to take a strategic and integrated approach. This article offers four steps in this process.

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  • Shine a light with a fairness opinion

    Winter 2014
    Newsletter: Expert / Valuation & Litigation Concepts

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 620

    Abstract: Everyone wants an equitable deal when undertaking a major business transaction. But, for better or worse, many transactions can become obscured by the nature and complexity of the data involved, as well as differing interpretations of that information. Although not legally required, a fairness opinion is often used to shine a light on the foggy details of such deals. This article looks at what a fairness opinion can offer, along with its parameters and limitations.

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  • Committing an expert faux pas – Internal reports too speculative in economic damages case

    Winter 2014
    Newsletter: Expert / Valuation & Litigation Concepts

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 650

    Abstract: A calculation of economic damages (or value, for that matter) is only as reliable as the expert’s underlying assumptions about income risk and return. This article looks at a recent case in which an appeals court agreed with the defendant’s assertion that the internal projections and investor summary schedules used to obtain financing and attract equity investors were speculative and, therefore, generated unreliable damages calculations. Citrin Holdings, LLC v. Minnis, No. 14-11-00644-CV, May 9, 2013 (Tex. App. Houston 14th Dist.)

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  • What would you pay to be in charge? The evolving state of control premiums

    Winter 2014
    Newsletter: Expert / Valuation & Litigation Concepts

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 861

    Abstract: Investors theoretically pay a premium to control a business. “Control premiums” are intended to measure what control really is worth to investors. But quantifying these premiums can be problematic — in fact, the Appraisal Practices Board (APB) has identified control premiums among the top four areas in which it observes the “greatest diversity” in appraisal practice. It recently released a discussion draft that addresses the issue in the context of valuations prepared for financial reporting purposes. This article looks at its recommendations, while noting that traditional control premium studies still have their place. A sidebar discusses discounts for lack of control.

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  • 4 tips for communicating with associates and staff

    Winter 2014
    Newsletter: Law Firm Management

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 319

    Abstract: Most law firm partners have never received formal training in managing people effectively. Unfortunately, attorneys who lack certain management skills may unwittingly contribute to demoralized staff and the departure of promising associates.. This article offers four tips to help partners communicate with subordinates in positive, productive — rather than discouraging — ways.

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  • Merger fever – Should your firm get hitched?

    Winter 2014
    Newsletter: Law Firm Management

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 686

    Abstract: After a multiyear slowdown, merger activity among law firms picked up sharply in 2013. Now may be a good time to actively pursue a deal, but it’s important to recognize the risks inherent in such transactions and understand that merger deals generally take longer and are more complicated than originally anticipated. This article explains why it’s important to create effective deal teams, perform the necessary due diligence and keep lines of communication open.

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  • Get real about raising your firm’s realization rate

    Winter 2014
    Newsletter: Law Firm Management

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 525

    Abstract: Whether billing rates are hourly, flat or contingent, ideally they’re competitive and enable firms to remain liquid and profitable. What’s less than ideal is the fact that the typical firm realizes only about 85% of the work it performs. This article offer tips for realizing a rate of greater than 90%.

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  • Why law firms need internal controls

    Winter 2014
    Newsletter: Law Firm Management

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 880

    Abstract: Most lawyers know how big a problem occupational fraud is in corporate America. Yet a “not at my firm” attitude persists. This article explains the unique risks that law firms face and offers a number of specific internal controls firms should have. It also discusses educating employees regarding preventing and deterring fraud. A sidebar notes the importance of top management leading by example.

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  • BANK Wire – Take an interest in interest rate risk

    Winter 2014
    Newsletter: Community Banking Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 407

    Abstract: This issue’s “BANK Wire” takes a look at a recent Financial Institution Letter in which the FDIC signaled a heightened interest in banks’ interest rate risk management practices. BANK Wire also discusses a lawsuit in which the plaintiff — having declined to implement its bank’s suggested security controls — sued the bank after suffering a fraud loss. It also notes that, the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act notwithstanding, regulatory agencies have now declared it generally acceptable to report suspected elder financial abuse to the appropriate authorities.

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  • An e-sign of things to come – Are you ready for electronic signatures?

    Winter 2014
    Newsletter: Community Banking Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 589

    Abstract: As the world continues its journey to going paperless, an increasing number of banks are adopting electronic signature technology for new account openings, loans, disclosures and other transactions. This article discusses the advantages, along with the legal requirements, and offers a number of best practices to ensure that electronic signatures hold up in court.

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  • Psst … Is your client headed for divorce?

    Winter 2014
    Newsletter: Community Banking Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 638

    Abstract: Lenders should beware of borrowers who are headed for divorce court — if a couple co-owns a company, it might place the loan at risk. This article discusses some issues to consider: How much of the private business interest should be included in the marital estate? What about goodwill — and alimony and child support? And who’s going to run the business after the divorce?

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  • Lessons from thriving banks: It’s a real-world stress test

    Winter 2014
    Newsletter: Community Banking Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 866

    Abstract: A recent report by the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis analyzes distinguishing features of banks that thrived during the recession. The authors concluded that community banks can prosper in the future by maintaining strong risk management standards in all economic environments and tailoring their business plans to their markets. This article looks at the highlights of the report, while a sidebar lists key performance indicators that it looked at.

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  • Practice Notes – How to benchmark NPPs in your practice

    Winter 2014
    Newsletter: Rx for Practice Management / Practice Management Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 412

    Abstract: Using nonphysician providers (NPPs) can be an effective way for practices to prepare for the expected influx of 30 million new patients receiving health care coverage through the Affordable Care Act’s new Health Insurance Marketplaces and expanded Medicaid programs. But, for the use of NPPs to work, it’s important for physicians to benchmark NPP performance by identifying performance metrics that reflect their practice’s critical success factors and then using these metrics to set goals and measure progress toward them. This article looks at five categories into which NPP performance metrics typically fall.

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  • 8 tips to help maximize patient self-payment

    Winter 2014
    Newsletter: Rx for Practice Management / Practice Management Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 874

    Abstract: Along with collecting traditional copayments, physician practices must now worry about steadily increasing patient deductibles. One survey reveals that deductibles as a percentage of the contracted rate increased by at least 20% across the country from 2009 to 2011. This is bad news for the physician because any increase in self-pay is hard to collect. But this article offers some tips — involving work processes, technology and communication — for making that task a little easier. A sidebar looks at a survey that spotlights patient attitudes toward their payment obligations.

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  • Clinical comanagement 101 – How to reward physicians and medical groups

    Winter 2014
    Newsletter: Rx for Practice Management / Practice Management Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 591

    Abstract: Clinical comanagement is an arrangement designed to recognize and appropriately reward participating medical groups and/or physicians for their efforts in developing, managing and improving their quality and efficiency. The arrangement may cover inpatient, outpatient, ancillary and/or multisite services. But this article notes that there are numerous hurdles to contend with. It describes two forms of comanagement and the tradeoffs involved.

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  • Health Insurance Marketplaces – What you — and your patients — need to know

    Winter 2014
    Newsletter: Rx for Practice Management / Practice Management Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 713

    Abstract: On Oct. 1, 2013, the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA’s) Health Insurance Marketplaces opened in states that have adopted them and on the federal government’s website healthcare.gov. Physicians may find themselves discussing with their patients how to use these new Marketplaces. This article gives an outline of the mandate and describes how the Marketplaces work. It also notes what the policies must cover and the premium subsidies available.

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