Hospital asks for change in how Medicare costs are allocated

Medicare payments are an important part of any hospital's budget. That's why Winneshiek Medical Center is hoping the company that oversees Medicare payments will change the way it asks the hospital to calculate expenses.

Winneshiek Medical Center Chief Financial Officer Lynn Luloff says the hospital has asked WPS to change the allocation method for costs in the dietary department and in housekeeping. Luloff says the change--if approved by WPS on behalf of Medicare--could result in an increase of more than $100,000 in Medicare payments to the hospital.