2015 Trusted Advisers Accountant: Brian Hickman

Accountant Brian Hickman indirectly supports the nation’s most vulnerable health care patients.

A partner at BKD LLP for the last decade and a 26-year employee of the Springfield public accounting firm, Hickman works to provide audit, cost-report, operational, reimbursement and financial consulting services to long-term care and senior living providers.  

“While the nature of my work isn’t direct, hands-on patient care, it is an important part of serving a vulnerable population,” he says. “My job is to take care of the people who take care of these people.”

Hickman’s role is to help clients navigate an increasingly complex health care system, particularly when it comes to regulatory compliance, increasing revenues and decreasing expenses.

One client was on the brink of shutting down or selling before Hickman and crew stepped in to help. The BKD team assisted the client in outsourcing its Medicare and third-party billing and collections services, as well as an analysis of staffing and other expenses.

“We were able to provide data for benchmarking and made other recommendations, along with providing guidance for implementing changes,” Hickman says. “This client is now thriving and continues to serve a vital service in a rural community.”

It’s this aspect of Hickman’s job that provides him the most satisfaction. He says reducing the stress of his clients is a top concern.

“I take a deep personal interest in our clients’ operations – sharing in their ups and downs,” Hickman says, noting he has worked with several clients for over 25 years. “Although I focus on one health care industry sector, I feel privileged to work with small, single-facility providers, large chain organizations and everything in between, encompassing for-profit, not-for-profit and governmental organizations.”

As an expert in his field, Hickman often works beyond the call of duty to keep his clients and the industry abreast of key trends.

He has presented seminars on Medicare, Medicaid and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act for health care associations in Missouri Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska and Oklahoma.

A 1998 graduate of Missouri State University, Hickman has testified before the Missouri House of Representatives in support of health care initiatives and written for BKD publications.

“My clients work in an industry that is highly regulated, and they are often challenged with serving their residents and meeting the needs of employees and the community, while complying with extensive and complex regulations and managing cash flows,” he says.

“I feel my role as a trusted adviser is to provide education, resources and assistance to help clients.”

Hickman also is active outside the accounting profession. He serves as board president for the Developmental Center of the Ozarks, treasurer for the Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield Foundation and stewardship chairman of the South Street Christian Church. He’s also a Leadership Springfield graduate and a past recipient of Springfield Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 award.