Cost Control Policy
Assignment Content
All health care organizations must be aware of cost controls, regardless of their nonprofit or for-profit status.
Managing costs at 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 policy at a health care organization related to cost controls.
Summarize the details of the policy:
• When was the policy put in place?
• Was it adopted system-wide, in one department, or in 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.
