Catherine Bauman is a Manager at DZA, where she oversees and manages the internal audit and cost report team, as well as client engagements. Her work involves ensuring deadlines and board meetings are met, assisting with one-off projects, providing reimbursement consulting, and addressing a variety of client questions throughout the year.
“The goal is to establish trust with all my clients,” Catherine said. “Part of my job is mentoring and training new staff, particularly on Medicare cost reports and other reimbursement-related projects. I love breaking down the complicated world of reimbursement into terms new staff can understand and hopefully nurturing their interest in cost reports in the future.”
When asked what she enjoys most about her work, Catherine prefers some social aspects: “I enjoy connecting with clients and coworkers. I like being able to laugh and chit chat for a few minutes before starting our check-in calls or grabbing lunch during fieldwork. It helps to get to know the people that I work with and support.”
She also enjoys making sure that hospitals get every dollar they are owed. “ I like drilling down on transactions and finding ways for hospitals to recover money they were leaving on the table. Whether it’s $1,000 or $50,000, I like strategizing to ensure they get what they’re owed.”
From Music Education to Accounting
Catherine’s career path took an unexpected turn. “I was working at the front desk of a hotel when I learned there was an opening in ‘guest service’ in the accounting department. That meant answering calls about debit card holds and processing parking refunds. I switched departments, became an Accounts Receivable (AR) Representative, and eventually lead AR while earning my accounting degree at Eastern Washington University (EWU). Once I graduated, I transitioned from private to public accounting and found DZA.”
Accounting wasn’t her first choice. “I originally went to the University of Northern Colorado to become a music teacher. I realized I liked music as a hobby, not a career. After that, I started working at the hotel, and the rest is history.”
One project she particularly enjoyed was managing mini-Medicare cost reports (mini-MCRs) alongside her colleague, Charli Cozza. “It’s a tool that hospitals can use to estimate their third-party settlements for internal financial statements. It’s been fun rolling it out.”
Expertise and Approach
Catherine specializes in audits and reimbursement-related projects. She values DZA’s independently owned structure. “It means I can call an owner with an idea and get real-time feedback. I am not lost in the shuffle like I could be at a larger accounting firm.”
She also sees the firm’s values in action daily. “We emphasize relationship-building at every level. DZA has supported my personal and professional growth by offering resources and opportunities to mentor others.”
Sharing Knowledge at the DZA CAH Seminar
Catherine has spoken at the DZA CAH Seminar twice before, in 2022 and 2024, on topics related to days and expenses. This year, she will present on expenses again. “There can be confusion on what is considered allowable and unallowable. If we group them together on the cost report, we could miss potential reimbursement. Expenses factor into each way a CAH is reimbursed, so making sure they are right is crucial.”
She enjoys the seminar for both the networking and the learning aspects. “I like sharing and receiving the most up-to-date knowledge regarding CAHs. Reading and interpreting CMS rules can be tedious. I also enjoy seeing my clients in person and catching up on things unrelated to their audit or cost report.”
Life Outside of Work
Born in California and raised in Vancouver, Washington, Catherine moved to Cheney in 2013 to attend EWU. “I had every intention of moving back to be closer to my family, but I didn’t anticipate starting a family here in Spokane. Now we have no intention of moving.”
She and her husband have two young boys who keep her busy. Outside of work, Catherine enjoys playing sports, including softball, volleyball, and soccer, often with colleagues or family. “Otherwise, it’s just trying to keep up with my busy family.”
Catherine’s journey is a testament to the value of forging genuine connections, both within her firm and beyond. Whether she’s demystifying complex reimbursement topics at seminars, mentoring future professionals, or finding joy in the bustle of family life, she leads with dedication and clarity. As she continues to shape her field and nurture those around her, Catherine’s story inspires all who are committed to excellence and growth in healthcare accounting.
To connect with Catherine, please email cbauman@dza.cpa.
