Just like any industry, healthcare has its own language. Healthcare managers must be able to classify various costs associated with day-to-day operations. For this discussion, you will incorporate the course textbook readings to discuss the assigned costs listed below.
*Product Cost
In your initial response, explain the cost assigned to you and give an example of that type of cost as it relates to a healthcare facility (i.e., physician practice, hospital, long-term care facility, urgent care, specialty group practice, or surgery center).
Include in your response why it is important for the healthcare manager to know the differences between all the costs listed when determining financial status.
Just like any industry, healthcare has its own language.
Full Answer Section
Example of Product Cost in a Healthcare Facility Let's say a hospital is considering purchasing a new medical device. The cost of the device would be a product cost. The hospital would also need to consider the cost of training staff on how to use the device, and the cost of maintaining the device. These costs would also be considered product costs. Other Examples of Product Costs in Healthcare- The cost of drugs and medications
- The cost of medical equipment and supplies
- The cost of laboratory tests
- The cost of surgery
- The cost of imaging services
- Direct costing: This method only includes the direct costs of producing a product. Direct costs are those that can be easily traced to the production of a product, such as the cost of materials and labor.
- Absorption costing: This method includes both direct and indirect costs of producing a product. Indirect costs are those that cannot be easily traced to the production of a product, such as the cost of overhead.
- Direct labor cost: This is the cost of the labor that is directly involved in producing a product.
- Overhead cost: This is the cost of all the other resources that are used to produce a product, such as rent, utilities, and administrative costs.
- Selling and administrative cost: This is the cost of marketing, selling, and administering healthcare services.