CPA Firm Serving PA, NJ, DE, & NY

Healthcare Accountant in Cheltenham

SD Associates, P.C. is a premier healthcare accountant in Cheltenham. We specialize in providing professional and cost-effective accounting services to healthcare organizations, both big and small. Our team of experienced accountants will tailor their services to meet your specific needs and objectives.

Understanding the unique challenges that healthcare organizations face, we at SD Associates, P.C. endeavor to provide solutions that are both efficient and effective. Our CPA firm has worked with numerous medical practices in over three decades of business, giving us a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare industry. We are well-acquainted with healthcare-specific regulations and can assist you in navigating the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare accounting. Whether you are a pediatrician, chiropractor, or director of an assisted living facility, our healthcare accountants have the experience and knowledge to provide customized financial solutions.

Types of Healthcare Accounting Methods

Accrual Accounting

The practice of accruing accounting involves recording financial transactions based on when they happen, rather than when payment is made. In healthcare accounting, this could involve recording revenue when treatments are provided, instead of waiting for payment. This method assists in ensuring that revenues and expenses are accurately reported in the accounting period they occur in, resulting in a more precise financial picture.

However, this method can also be more time-intensive as it requires meticulous tracking of every transaction and its associated revenue or expense. It necessitates careful attention to detail and excellent organizational skills.

Cash Basis Accounting

Cash basis accounting is the method of only recording a financial transaction when cash is received or paid out. This method typically requires less effort, as it focuses on tracking payments only and not the details of each purchase or sale.

This method can lead to inaccuracies in reporting, since revenue may be recorded too late or expenses too early if payment isn’t received or made immediately. Medical practices that use cash basis accounting may also miss out on tax deductions and other benefits associated with accrual accounting. It should also be noted that cash basis accounting is not acceptable under GAAP regulations, so this method may not be right for your business if you wish to follow these principles.

Which Method is Best For Your Medical Practice

The right accounting method for your medical practice depends on its size, complexity, and goals. Accrual accounting is often the best choice for larger practices that need to keep a detailed record of transactions and anticipate their financial needs long-term. Smaller practices may prefer cash basis accounting due to its simplicity.

At SD Associates, P.C., our experienced healthcare accountants can guide you in determining the optimal accounting method for your practice. Our team is devoted to delivering personalized services and aiding you in accurately evaluating and managing your finances.

Unique Aspects of Healthcare Accounting

Reporting

Financial reporting for medical practices has unique requirements that necessitate special attention. At SD Associates, P.C., we comprehend the specialized requirements of medical accounting and employ medical-specific software systems to provide our clients with the most accurate and efficient reports possible. Our team offers comprehensive yet readable financial reports that are customized to meet the particular needs of your practice.

Depreciation Tracking

An asset that decreases in value over time is known as a depreciating asset. It is essential for medical practices to track and categorize all depreciating assets properly to reflect their value accurately on the balance sheet. Our accountants at SD Associates, P.C. can track and calculate depreciation for medical practices of any size, ensuring that your books are kept current with accurate values for all depreciating assets.

Credit Balances

Medical practices receive numerous payments from insurance companies and Medicare, each with its timeline. Keeping track of these credit balances can be a major challenge for most practices. Our accountants have the expertise to guarantee that all credit balances are correctly tracked and reported, providing our clients with organization and information about their finances.

Confidentiality

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) mandates that medical practices keep patient records confidential at all times. As healthcare accountants, we recognize the significance of confidentiality and take additional precautions to ensure the security of our clients’ sensitive information. Patient data is always handled in compliance with HIPAA regulations, giving our clients a sense of security.

Healthcare Accounting FAQs

Why should my medical practice work with a professional accountant?

A professional healthcare accountant can help with your practice’s day-to-day financial operations and provide you with specialized knowledge in areas such as tax compliance, reporting and audit preparation. Working with an experienced accountant can also give you greater insight into the performance of your practice, allowing you to make more informed decisions about its future.

Are medical practices subject to income tax?

Not only are medical practices subject to income tax, they also have stricter reporting requirements than other businesses. It is essential to work with an experienced accountant who understands the complexities of healthcare accounting, such as filing for credits and deductions. Our certified professionals can help you stay on top of your tax obligations and maximize the financial health of your practice.

What deductions can physicians claim?

It is possible for physicians to claim deductions for expenses related to their medical practice, such as medications and office supplies. Additionally, physicians may be able to deduct certain employee benefits, advertising costs, insurance premiums and other business operating expenses. Our experienced team of Cheltenham healthcare accountants can help you maximize your deductions and ensure you are in compliance with all applicable laws.

Why would a medical practice be audited?

The IRS may audit your medical practice for a variety of reasons, including failing to accurately report income or deductions, neglecting to pay taxes in a timely manner, and not filing returns. It is important to have an experienced accountant on your side who understands the complexities of healthcare accounting and can help you prepare for and navigate through an audit if necessary.

Contact Our Cheltenham Healthcare Accountant Today

At SD Associates, P.C., our team of highly experienced healthcare accountants in Cheltenham is committed to helping you achieve financial success. Our comprehensive services include tax compliance, audit preparation and reporting assistance. Contact us today at (215) 517-5600 for more information about how we can help your medical practice thrive.