HSN/476: Healthcare Policy And Financial Management (wk 3 – Cost Control Policy)

Assignment Content

1. IMPORTANT: Please review faculty announcements for guidance with this assignment.

   All health care organizations THAT PROVIDE DIRECT PATIENT CARE must be aware of cost controls, regardless of nonprofit or for-profit status. Managing costs at all levels of the organization affects the bottom line, which has a direct effect on all aspects of the organization. This assignment is designed to help you analyze why organizational policies are put in place.

   Find a facility-specific policy at a health care organization THAT PROVIDES DIRECT PATIENT CARE related to cost controls.

HSN/476: Healthcare Policy And Financial Management (wk 3 – Cost Control Policy)

1. Summarize the details of the organizational policy:

   • When was the policy put in place?

   • Was it adopted system-wide, in one department, or multiple departments?

   • What does the policy address?

   • What are potential ramifications of not following the policy at the organizational level? Unit level? Individual level?

   Explain how the policy impacts fiscal aspects of the organization:

   • How does the policy act as a cost control?

   Describe how the policy impacts the quality of patient care:

   • Does the policy improve efficiency?

   • Are the goals to improve care and reduce cost?

   Explore the unintended consequences:

   • What secondary affects does the policy have on the organization? Unit? Staff? Patient?

   • Does the policy need revision?

   Suggest alternatives to the policy:

   • In your opinion, is the policy the best way to address the issue? Support your position by explaining why or why not.