When a healthcare operator needed to transition their entire payroll system in just two weeks — a timeline that can take over a month — Israel Bernstein, Vice President of Payroll Solutions at Limestone Fiscal Services, wasn’t sure it could be done.
“I was very skeptical at first,” Bernstein recalls about the request from one of their clients. “I wasn’t sure if we could get it done. I told them I’ll do my best.” But with Empeon’s support team working side-by-side throughout the entire process, what seemed impossible became achievable.
This experience showcases the kind of responsive, hands-on support that sets Empeon apart.
This level of partnership is what companies like Limestone Fiscal Services need when managing payroll for healthcare clients, especially nationally. Each state brings its own set of regulations, compliance requirements, and union considerations. For Limestone, which provides comprehensive back-office services, including payroll, accounting, and procurement to 30+ healthcare companies nationwide, like skilled nursing facilities and assisted living centers, precision isn’t just preferred—it’s needed.
“When you have a business that operates nationwide with different states that have unique functions and compliance needs, you need a payroll service that can provide those specific requirements,” Bernstein explains. “Empeon definitely does that.”
Flexibility to Handle Complex Client Needs
This flexibility becomes even more critical when you consider that no two healthcare providers are alike. Some of Limestone’s clients are unionized facilities requiring complex wage structures and benefit calculations, while others are non-union operations with entirely different pay scales and overtime rules. Add in the complexity of healthcare record keeping and tracking where professional licenses must be maintained and validated across states, and the challenges multiply.
That variety calls for a flexible payroll and workforce management system that can be tailored to each client’s specific operational structure and compliance needs.
Unlike systems that require waiting on support tickets, Bernstein’s team can make many customizations themselves, which allows them to respond quickly to client needs. This adaptability, he explained, has been critical in managing compliance and delivering services that fit each client.
“The flexibility we have is very different than other payroll developers we’ve worked with. We have customization at our fingertips, without waiting on tickets or hoping for the best.”
More Than Payroll: A True All-in-One Platform
When Limestone Fiscal Services first began using Empeon over five years ago, the focus was primarily on payroll. Over time, their use of the platform has expanded. It’s now a hub for much more.
Today, Limestone uses Empeon for payroll, time and attendance, HR, ACA and tax management, and it is preparing to add scheduling to its tech stack. Bernstein pointed out that having these capabilities in a single, integrated system eliminates duplicate data entry, reducing errors and ensuring compliance.
This type of connected system is particularly valuable for healthcare operations. When employee data flows automatically from HR to payroll, facilities can set different pay rates by employee and shift while tracking licenses and credentials in one place. The result? Properly credentialed staff get scheduled and paid accurately for their specific roles and shifts, without the manual work that leads to errors and headaches.
“Having that all in one system with Empeon was the right move, and we haven’t looked back since.”
Automation Technology That Saves Time and Reduces Errors
Bernstein shared that the automation features built into Empeon save his team time during every payroll cycle, allowing them to focus on higher-value priorities. Integrations with benefits and auditing tools further streamline HR operations, cutting down on manual entries that are prone to error.
For instance, Limestone has automated their OIG screening process — reports are scheduled, sent directly from the system to the vendor, who automatically handles the screening. Empeon also enables comprehensive license tracking and verification, allowing Limestone to auto-send documentation requests to staff and always ensure credentials stay current.
“Manual work is prone to error… (With Empeon), automation saves us time every single payroll. Since switching (providers), we’ve saved a tremendous amount of time.”
Client Support That Feels Like Partnership
While the technology is powerful and easy to use, Bernstein highlighted that Empeon’s team is what makes the biggest difference to their experience.
Unlike other vendors that take clients through endless ticket systems or chat services, Empeon provides direct, consistent points of contact. Each client has access to an Empeon representative, who they can reach out to, starting when onboarding to the system and lasting throughout their time with Empeon.
Bernstein explained that problem-solving is efficient since he knows exactly who to reach out to for payroll, time and attendance, or any other complex issues. He also noted that Empeon actively listens to client feedback and incorporates suggestions for system improvements into new releases, reinforcing the sense of partnership. “I’ve seen (my suggestions) in their release notes,” Bernstein notes, citing recent improvements to screening reports and timecard navigation that came from his feedback.
“It’s not just some support ticket… There is someone behind the phone. I know who the person is. A lot of the time, we do get the same client support… they provide me with their phone number (and) they’ll say, here’s my direct line, please save it”
Helping Healthcare Companies Grow Confidently
For Bernstein and Limestone Fiscal Services, Empeon provides the tools and confidence to grow without sacrificing patient care quality, accuracy, or compliance.
He expressed that Limestone Fiscal Services is growing, and with Empeon behind them, Limestone can continue to provide the right services for its clients.
“We’re always looking to grow and provide the best services for our clients… (Empeon has) consistently been a backbone to this company, and they’ve really been helping us streamline the services to our clients.”
Ready to Transform Your Healthcare Workforce Management?
Whether you’re managing payroll across union and non-union facilities in multiple states, coordinating scheduling for round-the-clock care, tracking healthcare credentials, or staying current with ever-changing regulations, these challenges require thoughtful solutions. Empeon’s flexible platform, automation capabilities, and hands-on support help healthcare organizations navigate all of the complexity more effectively.
Discover how Empeon can streamline your multi-state healthcare payroll and workforce management, so you can focus on what matters most: caring for your patients.
