Allocating physicians' overhead costs to services: an econometric/accounting-activity based-approach.
Using the optimizing properties of econometric analysis, this study analyzes how physician overhead costs (OC) can be allocated to multiple activities to maximize precision in reimbursing the costs of services. Drawing on work by Leibenstein and Friedman, the analysis also shows that allocating OC to multiple activities unbiased by revenue requires controlling for revenue when making the estimates. Further econometric analysis shows that it is possible to save about 10 percent of OC by paying only for those that are necessary.
Peden
Al
A
Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Office of Research, Development, and Information, Baltimore, MD, USA.
Baker
Judith J
JJ
D000066:Accounting / Q000379:methods*; D014487:Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, U.S.; D003361:Cost Allocation; D017598:Efficiency, Organizational; D017048:Health Care Costs; D006801:Humans; D007349:Insurance, Health, Reimbursement; D017059:Models, Econometric; D009817:Office Management / Q000191:economics; D011216:Practice Management, Medical / Q000191:economics*; D014481:United States