Cost containment in emergency departments.
Traditionally, cost effectiveness has been overlooked in emergency departments because of a mandate to provide emergency care in every community regardless of expense. However, in the current era of managed care, reduced reimbursement, and cost controls, emergency departments are being examined more carefully to determine whether their costs can be contained or even whether they can become profit centers. Detailed billing, cost accounting, enhanced communication among emergency departments within a community, and linking of suburban and inner-city emergency departments are several means by which emergency departments can control costs and raise revenues.
Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
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D003363:Cost Control; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital / Q000191:economics*; D018588:Fee-for-Service Plans; D005377:Financial Management, Hospital / Q000379:methods*; D008329:Managed Care Programs; D010350:Patient Credit and Collection; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D014481:United States