title: An approach to cost analysis of clinical laboratory services.
abstract: The authors have developed a system that provides information about costs related to specific laboratory tests. These costs are derived from: (1) labor and material actually used for specific tests; (2) allocation of costs for labor and material shared by several different tests; (3) allocation of supervisory and management costs. The "cost" of a specific procedure is a theoretical construct that is significantly affected by the method chosen for allocation. We know of no cost-analysis system generally accepted by all clinical laboratories. Since third-party payers may base future reimbursement on costs rather than charges, accurate systems for clinical laboratory cost analysis may have some practical value.
mesh_terms: D019411:Clinical Laboratory Techniques / Q000191:economics*; D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis; D005376:Financial Management; D006748:Hospital Departments / Q000191:economics*; D007753:Laboratories / Q000191:economics*