In this three part blog series, we’ve been focusing on healthcare, BIM, and facilities management. In this post, we’ll explore how the information captured in a model can directly contribute to the bottom line for healthcare organizations.
Among facilities managers, a little known fact is that the reimbursements associated with Medicare and Medicaid Space Reporting can account for as much as 8% to 12% of a healthcare organization’s bottom line revenue. In a sector where operating margins are as low as 2%, it makes sense to take advantage of every possible reimbursement.
Recovery of facility costs, however, requires detailed spatial data. Gathering accurate space and allocation information can be a massive effort. Healthcare organizations must work with CMS auditors to defend spatial data and demonstrate current allocations, as well as show changes in space inventory and allocations since the previous report.
Here is a simplified version of the annual space reporting equation:
(Facility costs) x (% of Medicare/Medicaid allowable) x (% of space occupied by the department) = Facility Costs Allocated for that Department
Healthcare organizations that use information models inherently understand space boundaries which eliminates the traditional CAD-based polylining process. In addition, BIMs can use the space classification to understand boundary positions. The effects of penetrations on space calculations are automatic based on model geometry. Simple exports or a direct connection from the BIM to other systems extend the value proposition. Changes are made in one place that are automatically propagated through associated systems, as opposed to manually coordinating changes independently in multiple systems and locations.
As noted in prior blog posts, capturing relevant facilities information in models created during construction or renovation projects requires early engagement with stakeholders like reimbursement analysts and facilities management. Ideally, design and construction teams will reach out to facilities management as part of their projects. However, facilities management teams should also be proactive and inquire how to include data in BIMs which will support building operation and reimbursement processes after project handoff is complete.
Crossing the divide between BIM and facilities management isn’t always easy, because it’s not how business has usually been done in healthcare organizations or in other sectors, as well. IMAGINiT has worked with firms throughout the building lifecycle and has insight into how organizations have smoothed the transition from one phase to the next. If you’d like to discuss your environment or learn more about best practices used by others, feel free to contact us.
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