Cost Control Policy

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 (St. Francis Medical Center-Richmond, VA) THAT PROVIDES DIRECT PATIENT CARE related to cost controls.

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.