The Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA) is a professional organization dedicated to improving healthcare financial management practices. Founded in 1946, HFMA provides education, certification, resources, and advocacy to its members, who include healthcare finance leaders, professionals, and students across the United States and beyond.
HFMA’s core mission is to lead the financial management of healthcare. They achieve this through several key activities:
- Education and Training: HFMA offers a wide range of educational programs, including conferences, webinars, online courses, and workshops. These programs cover topics such as revenue cycle management, accounting, financial planning, healthcare reform, and regulatory compliance. They are designed to keep members abreast of the latest trends and best practices in healthcare finance.
- Certification: HFMA offers two nationally recognized certifications: the Certified Healthcare Financial Professional (CHFP) and the Fellow of HFMA (FHFMA). These certifications demonstrate a commitment to professional excellence and expertise in healthcare finance. Achieving certification requires meeting specific educational and experience requirements, as well as passing rigorous examinations.
- Resources and Tools: HFMA provides its members with access to a wealth of resources, including publications, articles, research reports, and benchmarking tools. These resources help members improve their financial performance, make informed decisions, and stay ahead of industry challenges. Their online resource library is extensive and updated regularly.
- Advocacy: HFMA actively advocates for policies that support sound financial management in healthcare. They engage with policymakers, regulators, and other stakeholders to promote effective and efficient healthcare delivery. Their advocacy efforts focus on issues such as Medicare payment reform, healthcare access, and regulatory simplification.
- Networking and Collaboration: HFMA provides numerous opportunities for members to network with peers, share best practices, and collaborate on solutions to common challenges. Their chapters across the country host local events, meetings, and educational programs. This facilitates the exchange of ideas and the building of professional relationships.
HFMA is structured around a national organization and a network of local chapters. The chapters provide regional programming and networking opportunities. Membership is open to individuals working in healthcare finance, including those in hospitals, physician practices, health plans, consulting firms, and other related organizations. They also offer student memberships, encouraging the next generation of healthcare finance leaders.
In addition to its core activities, HFMA also supports research and innovation in healthcare finance. They conduct research on key issues affecting the industry and develop innovative solutions to improve financial performance. They also recognize and reward excellence in healthcare finance through various awards and recognition programs.
By providing education, certification, resources, and advocacy, HFMA plays a vital role in ensuring the financial stability and sustainability of the healthcare industry. Its members are committed to advancing the profession of healthcare financial management and improving the quality and accessibility of healthcare for all.