title: Tightrope walk: setting defensible prices.
abstract: Resolving the conflict between generating a profit and keeping prices reasonable is critical to the financial welfare of the hospital industry. Four steps may make this resolution easier: (1) determine the level of profit required, (2) assess the reasonableness of current costs, (3) assess the reasonableness of current prices, and (4) negotiate more equitable payment arrangements.
authors.affiliation: Cleverly & Associates, Columbus, Ohio, USA. wcleverley@cleveryassociates.com
authors.forename: William O
authors.initials: WO
authors.lastname: Cleverley
mesh_terms: D017598:Efficiency, Organizational / Q000191:economics; D005377:Financial Management, Hospital / Q000592:standards*; D017722:Hospital Charges / Q000592:standards*; D017008:Negotiating; D011907:Rate Setting and Review; D014481:United States