Wage Index Improvement Program (WIIP)
We understand that many hospitals have considerable experience with the wage data revision process and may not require the more extensive WIER program. The WIIP program was developed for experienced reimbursement personnel who may only require help on an overview basis. The WIIP is also an excellent starting point for associations and councils organizing a group initiative. Member-hospitals receive the initial WIIP program and may opt for the in-depth WIER.
The WIIP process creates a disciplined structure to assure providers properly submit quantified and accurate data. For groups, WIIP begins with a seminar/webinar outlining the wage index and factors effecting it, the revision process, items of particular interest and published numbers of the group. All hospitals in a WIIP engagement receive an analysis of their current and prior Worksheet S-3, comparison of the hospital’s data to that of the R-C Healthcare proprietary database for outliers and appropriateness, unlimited consultative access to an assigned wage index expert via telephone and email for questions and guidance, ongoing follow-up during the revision process, aid in revision submission and audit defense, if necessary, ongoing tracking of public use files to assure all revisions are properly reflected in the public use files. As with the WIER program, the engagement continues until the Final Rule is published the following August.
We suggest that new clients begin with the WIER. In multi-year engagements, hospitals can continue with the WIER, or use the WIIP in subsequent years; repeating the WIER every few years.