Why accurate cost reports matter

Medicare cost reports (Form CMS-2552-10, CMS-2540-10, etc.) are not just compliance documents — they directly impact your bottom line. Every year, providers leave thousands on the table due to overlooked costs or filing errors.

At Ari Accounting, we dig deep into your trial balance, reclassify expenses, and optimize bad debt pooling to ensure you receive every dollar you’re entitled to. Our team knows Texas MACs and CMS guidelines inside out.

Filing deadline: 5 months after fiscal year end · Electronic Cost Report (ECR) required. Late penalties apply.
Medicare cost report preparation at Ari Accounting

Our specialists reviewing ECR worksheets

Our cost report process

1. Discovery & data gathering

We collect trial balance, prior cost report, Medicare settlement data, and bad debt logs. We identify missing reimbursement opportunities.

2. Reclassification & optimization

Expenses are reclassified into cost centers (routine, ancillary, capital). We optimize bad debt, GME/IME, and wage index adjustments.

3. ECR filing & audit defense

We prepare and submit the electronic cost report, then stand with you during MAC desk reviews or audits.

Electronic Cost Report (ECR) software interface

We use industry‑leading ECR software for accurate, auditable filings.

Provider typeCMS formTypical due dateOur specialist
Hospitals (acute, CAH, psych)CMS‑2552‑105 mo after FYETerry L.
Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNF)CMS‑2540‑105 mo after FYEMaria G.
HospiceCMS‑1984‑145 mo after FYEDavid K.
Home Health Agencies (HHA)CMS‑1728‑145 mo after FYELisa W.
FQHC / RHCCMS‑222‑17 / CMS‑29‑175 mo after FYERobert C.

⚠️ Common pitfalls we prevent

  • Misclassified wage index & geographic reclassification
  • Unclaimed bad debt (Medicare & Medicaid)
  • Missed DSH (disproportionate share) opportunities
  • Incorrect GME/IME caps
  • Late filing penalties

âś… What you get with Ari

  • 100% ECR compliance guarantee
  • Prior‑year lookback analysis
  • MAC audit representation
  • Texas‑based team, no offshore
  • Flat‑fee or contingency options
"Ari saved us $210k on our last Medicare cost report. They know Texas MACs inside out."
MH
M. Hernandez
CFO, East Texas Medical Center
$47B+
Annual Medicare settlements in Texas