May 24, 200X

 

Sylvan Gold, MD

Managing Member

Multi Surgical Associates, LLC

Sterling Road

Anytown, USA

 

Dear Doctor Gold:

 

In accordance with your request, I have reviewed the profit-and-loss statements of Multi Surgical Associates, LLC (Subject Practice) as well as other pertinent statistical data and information in order to determine the debt-free value of the ownership interest of its twenty seven members in the tangible assets and patient records of the aforementioned limited liability company.

 

I have given careful consideration to the industry-specific and practice-specific factors that affect value and, if the provider agreement by and between Subject Practice and Surgicare, PA is for a duration of three years, it is my opinion that, as of December 31, 200X, the fair market value of the tangible assets and patient records of Subject Practice is four million six hundred sixty thousand dollars ($4,660,000).

 

If said provider agreement is for a duration of five years, it is my opinion that the fair market value of the aforementioned assets of the subject limited liability company is six million eight hundred seventy-five thousand dollars ($6,875,000); if said provider agreement is for a duration of seven years, the fair market value of said assets is eight million two hundred fifty thousand dollars ($8,250,000); and if said provider agreement is for a duration of ten years, the fair market value of said assets  is nine million three hundred thousand dollars ($9,300,000).

 

The fair market value of the tangible assets and patient records of the subject does not include the value of the accounts receivable.  These assets should be valued separately. 

 

David J. Shuffler (Appraiser) assumes the tangible assets and patient records of the subject medical practice are owned free and clear of all liens and encumbrances.

 

I hereby certify, to the best of my knowledge and belief, that the statements of fact contained in this report are true and correct, and this report has been prepared in conformity with the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice of The Appraisal Foundation and the Principles of Appraisal Practice and Code of Ethics of the American Society of Appraisers.

 

Sincerely,

 

 

 

David J. Shuffler


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Multi Surgical Associates, LLC

Sterling Road

Anytown, USA

 

December 31, 200X

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

CONTENTS



 

  PAGE
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
1
APPRAISAL
Revenue Ruling 59‑60 
4
Standard of Value
6
Method of Appraisal
7
PURPOSE OF APPRAISAL   
11
 
VALUATION
Fair Market Value 
12
Break Even Point
13
 
FINANCIAL HISTORY
14
 
STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS,
LIMITATIONS AND CERTIFICATION
16

                                                   

 


EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

 

Date of Valuation:  December 31, 200X.

Standard of Value:  Fair Market Value.

 

Purpose of Valuation:

 

Appraiser has been engaged by Sylvan Gold, MD, Managing Member, Multi Surgical Associates, LLC to appraise the debt-free value of the ownership interest of its twenty seven members in the tangible assets and patient records of the subject practice.  The appraisal is being conducted to determine the fair market value of the aforementioned assets for the purpose of the development of a specific strategic management plan.

 

Description of Subject Practice:

 

Multi Surgical Associates, LLC is a strong, well managed anesthesiology practice that outperforms comparable practices in the Medical Group Management Association Cost Survey: 200X Report Based on 200X Data. 

 

Production per full time equivalent (FTE) physician exceeds the median production per full time equivalent (FTE) anesthesiologist reported by the MGMA 2003 Survey.

 

  Multi  
Surgical Associates*
MGMA
Cost Survey
     
Gross Billings per FTE Anesthesiologist
$1,814,889 
$1,140,229
Total Income Collected per FTE Anesthesiologist
$924,835 
$541,994
*Fiscal 2003, 4.5 FTE Anesthesiologist.     

 

Production is on the rise; gross practice income is strong; and EBITDA exceeds comparable practices.

 

$000s)

12/31/0X

%

12/31/0X

%

Gross Billings

$6,638,000

  100.0

$8,167,000

100.0

Contractual Disallowances

$3,430,000

 

    51.7

$3,830,000

  46.9

Total Collected Revenue

$3,162,850

  100.0

$4,161,757

100.0

Operating Expense

   $451,734

 

    14.3

   $362,768

    8.7

Gross Practice Income

$2,711,116

    85.7

$3,798,989

  91.3

EBITDA

$1,156,244

    36.6

$1,894,652

  45.5

1


The following table indicates the mix of services rendered:

 

Gastroenterology Procedures
55.3%
Podiatric Surgery Procedures
8.9%
Ophthalmology Procedures 
9.9%
Otolaryngology Procedures
13.8%
Orthopaedic Surgery Procedures
7.6%
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Procedures
.3%
Urology Procedures
1.9%
Colon and Rectal Surgery Procedures
2.3%

 

The payer profile of Multi Surgical Associates, LLC is as follows:


  Multi Surgical Associates MGMA Cost Survey:
Anesthesiology
     
Managed Care Organizations
45.0%
NA
Medicare 
15.0%
29.5%
Blue Shield
25.0%
NA
Indemnity Insurance* 
5.0%
52.4%
Medicaid
2.0%
8.0%
Workers’ Compensation
NA 
3.0%
*Includes all commercial insurance and self-pay patients.

 

 

As of December 31, 200X, accounts receivable were $1,564,000.

 

The following table compares accounts receivable management of Multi Surgical Associates, LLC with the MGMA Cost Survey: 200X Report Based on 200X Data.

 

2


 

  Multi Surgical Associates MGMA Cost Survey:
Anesthesiology
     
Contractual Disallowances 
46.9%
47.4%
Adjusted Collection Ratio
93.3%
95.1%
Number of Days Gross Billings* 
135.3 
49.3
Accounts Receivable Aging: 
Current 
51.8%
51.0%
31-60 Days
14.4%
17.0%
61-90 Days
9.8%
9.7%
91-120 Days
6.7%
5.8%
Over 120 Days
17.3%
14.7%
*Accounts receivable have not been adjusted for non-qualifying or uncollectible charges.  The practice estimates 50% of the accounts receivable is uncollectible.

   

Accounts receivable management is good.

 

The following table compares the practice overhead expenses Multi Surgical Associates, LLC with the MGMA Cost Survey: 200X Report Based on 200X Data.

 

   Multi
Surgical Associates
       12/31/0X          
MGMA
Cost Survey
    Median       
Practice Overhead Expense Ratio 
8.7% 
10.7%
Professional Liability Insurance
2.1%
2.0%
Billing Service
5.0%
2.4%
Non-Primary Expenses 
1.6% 
6.3%

 

Expenses are well managed.  Practice overhead expense ratios lag the MGMA Survey sample; net practice income and EBITDA are above market.

 

Multi Surgical Associates, LLC is a strong, emerging anesthesiology practice that possesses the external as well as internal dynamics to drive it to higher levels of production, net practice income and EBITDA.

 

Production per full time equivalent (FTE) anesthesiologist exceeds comparable practices. Gross practice income is on the rise; EBITDA is strong; expenses are well managed and accounts receivable management is good. 

 

The active patient population is sizable.   The service mix as well as the payer profile show the breadth and broad scope of the practice.  Patient service capacity is extensive.  Surgicare of Central Jersey, Inc. is a strong referent.

 

Managed care participation together with the provider agreement by and between Multi Surgical Associates, LLC and Surgicare, Inc. extend the catchment area and provide a reservoir of new patients.

 

Value of Subject Practice

 

If the provider agreement by and between Multi Surgical Associates, LLC and Surgicare, Inc. is for a duration of three years, the fair market value of the tangible assets and patient records of Multi Surgical Associates, LLC is four million six hundred sixty thousand dollars ($4,660,000).

 

If the provider agreement is for a duration of five years, the fair market value of the aforementioned assets is six million eight hundred seventy-five thousand dollars ($6,875,000); if said agreement is for a duration of seven years, fair market value is eight million two hundred fifty thousand dollars ($8,250,000); if the agreement is for a duration of ten years, fair market value is nine million three hundred thousand dollars ($9,300,000).

 

The fair market value of the tangible assets and patient records of Multi Surgical Associates, LLC does not include the value of the accounts receivable.  

 

3


APPRAISAL

 

 

Revenue Ruling 59‑60

 

Revenue Ruling 59‑60, Internal Revenue Bulletin 1959‑9, as modified by Revenue Ruling 65-193, I.R.B. 1965-2, and Revenue Ruling 68-609, I.R.B. 1968-48, outlines as well as reviews the approach, the methods and the factors that an appraiser should consider in order to determine the value of a closely held company such as a professional practice. The following factors, which are fundamental, require careful

 

a.        The nature of the business and history of the company or practice. 

b.        The general economic outlook as well as the outlook for the industry or profession.

c.        The book value of the capital stock and financial condition of the company.

d.        Earning capacity..

e.        Dividend paying capacity.

f.          Whether there is goodwill or any other intangible value.

g.        The price of the most recent public sale of the company stock and the size of the stock offering.

h.        The market price of the stock of comparable companies that are actively traded on either a national, regional or over-the-counter stock exchange.

 

Although the valuation of a closely held company requires consideration of all these relevant valuation factors, certain factors carry more weight than others.  A determination of value will depend upon the circumstances in each case.  Earnings could be the most important criterion in some cases, whereas the value of the tangible assets could be more important in others.  In general, primary consideration should be accorded earning capacity in the valuation of an entity that sells products or services to the public.  If earnings are absent, then greater weight should be accorded the value of the tangible assets.

 

In a publicly held company, value is determined by the market price of the common and preferred stock.  In a closely held company or a professional practice, value cannot be fixed by the capital markets.  It can only be determined by the ability of the business to generate profit.

 

In the final analysis, the value of a specific closely held company or professional practice depends upon the degree of optimism or pessimism the market has regarding the reliability and continuity of its earning capacity.  Uncertainty decreases value.

 

The value of a professional practice is determined by the likelihood of retaining business from existing and prospective patients or referents.  In a professional practice, the emphasis is on the amount of professional goodwill that can be transferred from one doctor to another.  This differs from a non-professional business where the emphasis is on the commercial goodwill that stems from trade marks, product line, brand name, et cetera.

 

Revenue Ruling 59-60 states that a sound appraisal of a closely held company or professional practice must consider current and prospective economic conditions as of the date of the appraisal.

 

4



Although the appraiser should obtain profit-and-loss statements for a representative period of time, emphasis should be placed on current earnings, rather than a projection of future earnings, which could be uncertain and speculative, or past events, which are not likely to recur.

 

In order to apply Revenue Ruling 59-60 in the valuation of a professional practice, it is necessary to capitalize current earnings or discount future earnings at a capitalization rate or discount rate that indicates the potential erosion in professional goodwill.  The most important criteria in determining a capitalization rate or discount rate are:

 

  1. The national or regional economic outlook.
  2. The condition and outlook of the health-care industry and the medical profession.
  3. The quality of the earnings of the subject practice.
  4. The clinical excellence and unique characteristics of the practitioner.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5


Standard of Value

 

The fair market value of a professional practice is the price at which a subject practice would change hands between a willing buyer and a willing seller, when the former is not under any compulsion to buy and the latter is not under any compulsion to sell.  The hypothetical buyer and seller are assumed to be able, as well as willing, to trade and are informed about the property and the market for such property.

 

Fair market value takes into account the special advantages of an established practice such as practice reputation, maldistribution, location, patient management, professional referents, et cetera which contribute to earning capacity. 

 

Fair market value indicates the likelihood that the patients of record will continue to purchase medical services as long as the quality of patient care is satisfactory and the professional standards of the practice are maintained, and therefore, it reflects the amount of professional goodwill that can be transferred from one doctor to another.

 

6


Method of Appraisal

 

There are three generally accepted approaches that are used to determine the value of a professional practice:  Income Approach, Market Approach, Cost Approach.

 

1.        Income Approach

 

The income approach either capitalizes current earnings or cash flow or discounts future earnings or cash flow to determine the present worth of the future benefits of an ownership interest in a company or professional practice.

 

The two-income approach methods of appraisal are:

 

A.        Capitalized-Return Method

 

The capitalized-return method is used when the historical operating trend of a company is indicative of its future operating trend.  In other words, the annual rate of growth (decline) in the operations of the company fluctuate around a trend line that is predictable.

 

The capitalized-return method converts a current stream of income into a standard of value.  The capitalization rate is a divisor or a multiplier that is used to compute the present worth of a single-period benefit stream.  The single-period benefit stream is the net earnings or net cash flow the practice is expected to generate in the future.

 

There are many versions of the capitalized-return method.  The capitalization-of-earnings method, debt-capacity method and excess-earnings method are three of the most widely used.  The capitalization-of-earnings method and the debt-capacity method are similar because both compute the present worth of a single-period benefit stream.

 

The Capitalization-of-Earnings Method

 

The focus of the capitalization-of-earnings method is on the rate of return a practice owner or buyer expects to receive from his/her investment in the practice.  The rate of return includes income as well as capital appreciation.  The capitalization rate is determined by the rate of return available in the market for risk-free investments plus a premium to compensate the investor for the lack of liquidity and capital-risk assumption.

 

The Debt-Capacity Method

 

The debt-capacity method capitalizes earnings or cash flow to determine the maximum amount of debt a practice can service. The focus is on the break-even point or the amount of projected income collected the practice must generate to meet all fixed and variable practice expenses as well as pay the doctor(s) a market rate of compensation and amortize debt.

 

7

 


The capitalization rate, which is determined by the capital risk inherent in the EBITDA or adjusted net cash flow of the practice, determines the amount of money a prudent lender would extend to a qualified borrower.  This is the maximum price a willing buyer can afford to pay or the maximum financial leverage of the practice.

 

The Excess-Earnings Method

 

The excess-earnings method, which capitalizes the earnings or cash flow in excess of a fair rate of return on the tangible assets in order to determine the value of the intangible assets, uses two capitalization rates. The capitalization rate on the tangible assets is the rate of return required to attract capital.  The capitalization rate on the intangible assets is the rate of return available in the market for risk-free investments plus a premium for risk and the lack of liquidity. 

 

B.       Discounted-Future-Return Method

 

The discounted-future-return method is used when the future operating trend of the company is expected to differ significantly from the historical operating trend.

 

The discounted-future-return method discounts a future stream of income to determine its present value.  The discount rate is the rate of return a practice owner or buyer expects to receive from his investment.  The discount rate determines the present value factors used to compute the present value of multiple-benefit periods.

 

2.        Market Approach

 

The market approach assumes that the value of a specific company or practice can be determined by establishing the value of a guideline company or practice.  For example, the value of specific professional practice can be determined by the ratio of the sale price to the total income collected of comparable practices which have recently been sold.

 

The market approach is based upon the principle of substitution, which states that a prudent buyer will pay no more for a practice than it would cost to acquire a substitute practice that provides the same benefits. 

 

3.        The Cost Approach

 

The focus of the cost approach is on the value of a specific company or professional practice's assets, not its earning capacity.  Since the cost approach does not take into account the earnings or cash flow that the assets produce, it disregards intangible assets and concentrates on tangible assets.

 

The two-cost approach methods are:

 

A.        Net-Worth Method

 

The net-worth method assumes the value of a specific company or professional practice is the value of the adjusted fair market value of its assets minus the adjusted fair market value of its liabilities.

 

8


B.       Liquidation Method

 

The liquidation method assumes the subject company or practice will cease to operate, sell all its assets and use the proceeds to liquidate its liabilities.

 

A professional practice possesses unique characteristics that a non-professional company does not possess.  Consequently, certain valuation approaches or methods of appraisal are not appropriate and should not be used to value a professional practice.

 

For example, since few, if any, medical practices are comparable, the market approach has severe limitations and should only be used in conjunction with another appraisal method.  In a professional practice, the emphasis is on the value of professional goodwill.

 

The cost approach disregards professional goodwill and concentrates on the value of the tangible assets

 

Since the discounted-future-return method relies on a projection of future earnings, it can be speculative and misleading.  The excess-earnings method focuses on the value of the intangible assets not the value of the business enterprise.  It is difficult to apply and has a history marked by controversy and misuse.

 

In the opinion of the appraiser, the debt-capacity version of the capitalized-return method of the income approach is the most appropriate appraisal method for the valuation of a professional practice.  The capitalization-of-earnings method and the debt-capacity method are similar; both capitalize EBITDA or adjusted net cash flow to determine the present worth of a single-period benefit stream. 

 

However, since the focus of the debt-capacity method is on the transfer risk or amount of goodwill that can be transferred from one doctor to another, it is the most fitting method of appraisal to value a professional practice

 

The Debt-Capacity Method is designed to place a value on a practice that will simultaneously provide the practice owner or buyer with enough time and cash flow to service debt, compensate him/her for rendering professional services, and give the practice owner a realistic value for professional goodwill.

 

DEBT-CAPACITY METHOD

 

VALUE  =       (ADJUSTED NET CASH FLOW)    X    AMORTIZATION FACTOR

                                (CAPITALIZATION RATE)

 

DEFINITIONS:

 

Adjusted Net Cash Flow

 

EBITDA or adjusted net cash flow is the cash flow available for debt amortization before income taxes but after fixed and variable expenses and professional compensation are paid.  Non-recurring or extra-ordinary expenses as well as excess professional wages and discretionary fringe benefits are eliminated to normalize practice earnings.

 

9


Debt Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR)

 

The Debt Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR) reflects the risk peculiar to a specific subject practice as well as the general economic outlook and the outlook for the health-care industry. The DSCR indicates the transfer risk or potential erosion of professional goodwill. The lower the risk, the lower the capitalization rate and the higher the value of the practice.

 

The precise DSCR depends upon medical economics, the quality of practice EBITDA, the predictability of future EBITDA and the perceived risk of attrition regarding the amount of professional goodwill that can be transferred from doctor to doctor as of the date of valuation.

 

Amortization Factor

 

The amortization factor, which is the statistical summation of the terms and conditions of a credit accommodation, reflects the principal ratio and term of the loan.

 

The principal ratio, which is the percentage of each loan payment that is applied to principal, is a function of the interest rate and the term of the loan.

 

The term or repayment period of the debt is determined by the term limits for commercial loans set by a lender according to credit policy.

 

Since medical practice accounting is cash-basis accounting, income is recognized when services are collected, not billed.  Consequently, accounts receivable reflect future, not current, income. 

 

Since accounts receivable do not appear on the balance sheet of a professional practice, Appraiser Debt-Capacity Method does not take into account the value of the accounts receivable.  These assets should be valued separately.

 

10


PURPOSE OF APPRAISAL

 

Appraiser has been engaged to appraise the debt-free value of the ownership interest of the twenty seven members of Multi Surgical Associates, LLC in the tangible assets and patient records of the subject medical practice.  The appraisal is being conducted to determine the fair market value of the aforementioned assets for the purpose of the development of a specific, targeted strategic plan.

 

The effective date of the appraisal is December 31, 200X; the date of the report is May 24, 200X.

 

In order to determine the fair market value of said tangible assets and patient records, the appraiser reviewed the profit-and-loss statements of Multi Surgical Associates, LLC for the fiscal year ended December 31, 200X, December 31, 200X and December 31, 200X as well as management reports and other pertinent statistical data and information for the subject practice and Surgicare,, Inc. that were available.

 

The appraiser did not review the profit-and-loss statements of Multi Surgical Associates, LLC or other management reports, pertinent statistical data and information for the subject practice or Surgicare, Inc. for any prior or subsequent fiscal year or interim period.

 

11


VALUATION

 

Fair Market Value

 

Appraiser has been engaged to appraise the debt-free value of the ownership interest of the twenty seven members of Multi Surgical Associates, LLC in the tangible assets and patient records of the subject medical practice.  The appraisal is being conducted for the purpose the development of a specific strategic management plan.

 

Upon careful examination and analysis of the relevant industry-specific and practice-specific valuation factors, it is the opinion of Appraiser, that,if the provider agreement by and between Multi Surgical Associates, LLC and Surgicare, Inc. is for a duration of three years, the fair market value of the tangible assets and patient records of Multi Surgical Associates, LLC s of December 31, 2004 is four million six hundred sixty thousand dollars ($4,660,000).

 

If said provider agreement is for a duration of five years, it is the opinion of Appraiser that the fair market value of the aforementioned assets of the subject limited liability company is six million eight hundred seventy five thousand dollars ($6,875,000); if the provider agreement is for a duration of seven years, the fair market value of said assets is eight million two hundred fifty thousand dollars ($8,250,000); if the provider agreement is for a duration of ten years, the fair market value is nine million three hundred thousand dollars ($9,300,000).

 

The fair market value of the tangible assets and patient records of Multi Surgical Associates, LLC does not include the value of the accounts receivable.  These assets should be valued separately.

 

Appraiser assumes the tangible assets and patient records of Multi Surgical Associates, LLC are owned free and clear of all liens.

 

DEBT-CAPACITY METHOD

 

VALUE  =       (ADJUSTED NET CASH FLOW)     X         AMORTIZATION FACTOR

                         (CAPITALIZATION RATE) 

 

ASSUMPTIONS:

 

PROVIDER AGREEMENT     Three Years   Five Years   Seven Years   Ten Years

 

1.  EBITDA                                $1,894,508     $1,894,508  $1,894,508     $1,894,508

2.  DSCR*                                             1.08                 1.12              1.21                  1.38

3.  Amortization Factor                      2.667              4.082            5.283              6.780

 

*The equivalent rate for the Capitalization-of-Earnings method is 41% if the provider agreement is for a duration of three years; 28% if the duration of the agreement is five years; 23% if the duration is seven years;  and, if the duration of the agreement is for a duration of ten years, the equivalent capitalization rate is 20%.

 

12


Break Even Point

 

Break Even Point analysis projects the amount of total income collected that must be generated from patient-service activities to meet all fixed and variable practice expenses, pay the doctor(s) a market rate of compensation for rendering professional services and amortize the maximum loan the practice is able to service.

 

 

BREAK EVEN POINT =         TOTAL FIXED COST

                                                           1.0 ‑ % VARIABLE COST

 

 

DEFINITIONS:

 

Total Fixed Cost:  Any expense, such as fixed practice expenses, professional compensation and loan amortization that does not vary with the number of patient visits.  Fixed practice expenses include items such as rent, staff salary,  insurance, and utilities and telephone.

 

Variable Cost:  Any practice expense, such as clinical supplies, laboratory fees and non‑yellow page advertising that will vary with the number of patient visits.  % Variable Cost is the ratio of variable cost to total income collected.

 

 

ASSUMPTIONS:

 

PROVIDER AGREEMENT     Three Years   Five Years   Seven Years   Ten Years

 

1.  Fixed Practice Expense        $154,112      $154,112     $154,112        $154,112

2.  Physician Wages                $1,904,481   $1,904,481  $1,904,481     $1,904,481          

3.  Loan Amortization               $1,747,938   $1,685,512  $1,560,659     $1,373,380          

 

         Total Fixed Expense       $3,806,531   $3,744,105  $3,619,252     $3,431,973

 

                                                                                                                                         

If the provider agreement by and between Multi Surgical Associates, LLC and Surgicare, Inc. is for a duration of three years and the fair market value of the tangible assets and patient records of the subject is $4,660,000, the total income collected that must be generated to break even is $4,007,465 assuming total fixed expenses as aforesaid.

 

If said provider agreement is for a duration of five years and fair market value is $6,875,000, the break even point is $3,941,744; if the provider agreement is for a seven year duration and fair market value is $8,250,000, the break even point is $3,619,252; and if the provider agreement is for duration of ten years and fair market value is $9,300,000, the break even point is $3,431,973.

 

 

13


Multi Surgical Associates, LLC

 

Notes to the Adjusted 12/31/0X Statement of Revenue and Expense

 

 

NOTE 1:     Federal Tax Provision

 

Appraiser does not provide accounting advice or legal counsel.  Individual income tax strategies as well as provisions of the federal and state tax code are complex and ever-changing.  Tax questions, as well as the provisions of contract law, should be reviewed carefully with accounting and legal professionals.

 

NOTE 2:     State Tax Provision

 

Appraiser does not provide accounting advice or legal counsel.  Individual income tax strategies as well as provisions of the federal and state tax code are complex and ever-changing.  Tax questions, as well as the provisions of contract law, should be reviewed carefully with accounting and legal professionals.

 

NOTE 3:     Loan Amortization

 

The adjusted statement of revenue and expense assumes the following terms and conditions for the requisite term debt:

 

            Interest Rate                         Prime + 1%, or 5.00%

            Repayment Period            The repayment term will correspond to the duration of the provider agreement by and between Multi Surgical Associates, LLC and Surgicare, Inc.

 

As of the effective date, December 31, 200X, the commercial bank prime rate of interest  as reported in the Wall Street Journal was 4.00%.  Because the prime rate of interest is subject to change from time to time, there may be differences between the proforma and actual results and those differences might be material.  Appraiser assumes no responsibility or liability for said differences.

 

Principal and interest payments commence immediately.

 

14

 


STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS, LIMITATIONS AND CERTIFICATION

 

The accompanying appraisal report was prepared Multi Surgical Associates, LLC for the purpose specified herein and is only valid for the specified valuation date. It is not valid for any other valuation date and should not be used for any other purpose.  The information contained in the report has been obtained from sources considered reliable; however, the appraiser assumes no liability for such sources.

 

The opinions expressed herein are dependent upon the accuracy of the information received and pertain solely to this report and should not be taken out of the context of this report. This appraisal is subject to such conditions or circumstances that an investigation of the practice would disclose.  The appraisal assumes that practice assets are owned free and clear of liens and encumbrances.

 

There may be differences between the adjusted and actual results because events and circumstances frequently do not occur as expected and those differences might be material. Appraiser assumes no responsibility or liability for any deviation in the performance of the practice for any period subsequent to the date hereof.

 

Tax questions, as well as provisions of contract law, should be reviewed carefully with legal and accounting professionals.

 

I certify that, according to the best of my knowledge and belief:

 

1.        The analysis and conclusion expressed herein are limited by appraisal qualifications and limitations and are the unbiased, professional opinion of the appraiser.

 

2.        Neither Appraiser nor its principals or employees have any present or contemplated future interest in the property that is the subject of this report.

 

3.        The fee paid to Appraiser for determining the value of the subject practice is not contingent upon the amount of an award in a property settlement or court action; or the consummation of a purchase and/or sale transaction; or any conclusion specified in advance by the client; or the amount of the appraised value; or the occurrence of  any subsequent event.

           

4.        The analysis and conclusions expressed herein and this report conform to the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice.

 

This report and its analytical methods, in whole and in part, constitute confidential proprietary information to which Appraiser reserves and protects all rights and interests.  Beyond its own use, as described to Appraiser by the client, the recipient agrees to keep confidential the entire report.

 

                                                        

David J. Shuffler

 

15


David J. Shuffler

 

David J. Shuffler is a valuation expert offering physicians and other health care professionals a wide range of consulting services such as Practice Appraisal; Business and Strategic Planning; System Development and Implementation and Negotiation and Contract Development. 

 

Mr. Shuffler is a specialist in practice valuation, business management and practice finance for physicians, dentists, veterinarians and other medical professionals.  He has appraised over 750 health care practices and has been court appointed to perform practice appraisals and offer expert witness testimony in New Jersey, Alaska, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.  He adheres to the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice of the Appraisal Foundation and Principals of Appraisal Practice and Code of Ethics of the American Society of Appraisers.

 

Mr. Shuffler was a relationship manager and health care lender at Commerce Bank.  He also founded 7/49 Solutions, LLC and its predecessor specialists in health care appraisal, medical practice management and dental and chiropractic brokerage.  Mr. Shuffler established and managed the medical practice finance group at Midlantic Bank and National Westminster Bank, NJ.  He developed credit criteria for extending loans to medical professionals and underwrote over $140 million in loans.

 

Mr. Shuffler has written curriculum and presented seminars for professional organizations, dental and chiropractic colleges and medical residency programs and authored appraisal and practice management articles for medical periodicals such as Medical Economics, Journal of the American Chiropractic Association, Optometry Economics, Podiatry Management and Journal of the New Jersey Dental Association.  His “Practice Hotline” column appeared in the Bergen County Medical Society Medical Report, Passaic County Medical Society News and Notes, and Journal of the New Jersey Dental Association.  Mr. Shuffler also authored “The Beginning Physician’s Guide for Financing a Practice.”

 

His presented his workshop “The Partnership Track” at the Atlantic Coast Veterinary Conference and spoke to the Medical Society of New Jersey on “Setting the Right Price for Your Practice.”  He addressed the Bergen County Bar Association; American Academy of Matrimonial Attorneys, NJ Chapter; Association of Trial Lawyers of America, NJ Chapter; Family Law Section, The Inns of Court Program and Passaic County Chapter of the New Jersey Society of CPAs on “How to Value a Medical Practice in These Changing Times.”

  

Mr. Shuffler received a Bachelor of Science in Economics with a concentration in marketing and finance from the Wharton School of Finance and Commerce, University of Pennsylvania.

 

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GUEST SPEAKER:

 

Medical Society of New Jersey                                Mountainside Hospital Medical Center

University of Medicine & Dentistry of NJ                 Englewood Hospital & Medical Center

New Jersey Hospital Association                           Bergen County Medical Society

Palmer College of Chiropractic                               Bronx County Medical Society

St. Joseph’s Hospital & Medical Center                Jersey City Medical Center

New York Chiropractic College                               St. Barnabas Medical Center

St. Mary’s Medical Center                                         Passaic County Medical Society

N.J. Assn. of Certified Public Accountants            N.J. Veterinary Medical Association

Middlesex County Medical Society                          Atlantic Coast Veterinary Conference

American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers         Union County Dental Society

Westchester County Medical Society                     Association of Trial Lawyers of America                      NJ Chapter

American Chiropractic Association                        Bergen County Bar Association

American Society of Appraisers Chapter #73       Family Law, Inns of Court Program

Hackensack University Medical Center                 America Outdoors

 

PUBLICATIONS:

 

Journal of the American Chiropractic Association

      “How to Turn a Successful Associateship into a Successful Partnership”

Chiropractic Showcase Magazine

      “The Partnership Track”.

      “What is Your Associate’s Worker Status?”  

      “Group Practice: A Strategic Response to a Changing Health-Care Environment”

Chiropractic Economics

      “The New-Doctor’s Associate Employment Agreement” Medical Economics

      “Setting the Right Price for Your Practice” Quoted extensively.

      “Do You Need a Broker to Help Sell Your Practice?” Quoted extensively.

The Medical Report

      “The Practice Hotline” - A Quarterly Q & A Column for the Bergen County Medical      Society.

News and Notes

      “The Practice Hotline” - A Quarterly Q & A Column for the Passaic County Medical    Society.

Optometric Economics

      “Seeking the Substance of Practice Valuation” 

Podiatry Management

      “Buying and Selling a Practice”

Journal of the New Jersey Dental Association

      “Let’s Make a Deal: A Dentist’s Guide to Buying and Selling A Practice”

      “Mergers and Groups without Walls: The Salvation of Private Practice”

      “The Practice Hotline” - A Quarterly Q & A Column.

 

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