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Complete Parts I, II, III.
Part III: Response should be between 100-150 word count for full credit per professor.
Chapters and Reserve Readings are Attached as resources (if needed)
49
Cost Classifications 6
C H A P T E R
DISTINCTION BETWEEN DIRECT AND
INDIRECT COSTS
Direct costs can be specifically associated with a particular
unit or department or patient. The critical distinction for
the manager is that the cost is directly attributable. What-
ever the manager is responsible for—that is, the unit, the
department, or the patient—is known as a cost object.
The somewhat vague definition of a cost object is any
unit for which a separate cost measurement is desired. It
might help the manager to think of a cost object as a cost ob-
jective instead.1 The important thing is that direct costs
can be traced. Indirect costs, on the other hand, cannot
be specifically associated with a particular cost object.
The controller’s office is an example of indirect cost.
The controller’s office is essential to the overall organi-
zation itself, but its cost is not specifically or directly asso-
ciated with providing healthcare services. The critica
l
distinction for the manager is that indirect costs usually
cannot be traced, but instead must be allocated or ap-
portioned in some manner.2 Figure 6-1 illustrates the
direct–indirect cost distinction.
To summarize, it is helpful to recognize that direct
costs are incurred for the sole benefit of a particular op-
erating unit—a department, for example. As a rule of
thumb, if the answer to the following question is “yes,”
then the cost is a direct cost: “If the operating unit (such
as a department) did not exist, would this cost not be in
existence?”
Indirect costs, in contrast, are incurred for the overall
operation and not for any one unit. Because they are
shared, indirect costs are sometimes called joint costs or
After completing this chapter,
you should be able
to
1. Distinguish between direct and
indirect costs.
2. Understand why the difference
is important to management.
3. Understand the composition
and purpose of responsibility
centers.
4. Distinguish between product
and period costs.
P r o g r e s s N o t e s
common costs. As a rule of thumb, if the an-
swer to the following question is “yes,” then
the cost is an indirect cost: “Must this cost be
allocated in order to be assigned to the unit
(such as a department)?”
EXAMPLES OF DIRECT COST AND
INDIRECT COST
It is important for managers to recognize di-
rect and indirect costs and how they are
treated on reports. Two sets of examples il-
lustrate the reporting of direct and indirect
costs. The first example concerns a radiol-
ogy department; the second concerns a dial-
ysis center.
Table 6-1 represents a report of two line
items—direct costs and indirect costs—for a
radiology department. The report concerns
procedure numbers 557, 558, 559, 560, and
561 and a total. In this report, the manager
can observe the proportionate differences between direct and indirect costs and can also
see the differences among the five types of procedures.
Greater detail is provided to the manager in Table 6-2, which presents the method of al-
locating indirect costs and the result of such allocation. Managers should notice that the
“totals” line carries forward and becomes the “indirect cost” line in Table 6-1. The purpose
of the report in Table 6-2 is to reveal details that support the main report in Table 6-1. Thus,
50 CHAPTER 6 Cost Classifications
Cost Object
Are
Allocated
to
Are
Traced
to
Direct
Costs
Indirect
Costs
Figure 6–1 Assigning Costs to the Cost Object.
Table 6–1 Example of Radiology Departments Direct and Indirect Cost Totals
Dept: Radiology—Diagnostic
Cost Summary—Year to Date November ______
CC #557 CC #558 CC #559 CC #560 CC #561
Indirect Cost Diagnostic Ultra- Nuclear CT Radiation
Centers Radiology sound Medicine Scan Therapy Total
Direct costs $1,000,000 $600,000 $1,200,000 $1,800,000 $1,400,000 $6,000,000
Indirect costs* 300,000 195,375 221,500 338,500 211,625 1,267,000
Totals $1,300,000 $795,375 $1,421,500 $2,138,500 $1,611,625 $7,267,000
*See Table 6–2 for cost allocation detail.
Source: Adapted from A. Baptist, A General Approach to Costing Procedures in Ancillary Departments, Topics in Health Care Financ-
ing, Vol. 13, No. 4, p. 36, © 1987, Aspen Publishers, Inc.
Examples of Direct Cost and Indirect Cost 51
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52 CHAPTER 6 Cost Classifications
this report, showing allocation of indirect
costs, is considered a subsidiary report be-
cause it is supporting, or subsidiary to, the
preceding main report. This use of one or
more supporting reports to reveal details be-
hind the main report is quite common in
managerial reports. The allocation of indi-
rect costs subsidiary report contains quite a
lot of information. It shows what line items
(transporters, receptionists, etc.) are con-
tained in the $1,267,000 total. It shows how
each line item is allocated across the five
separate procedures. And it shows how each
line item was allocated; see the “Allocation
Basis” column containing codes A, B, C, and
D. Then see the box below with the alloca-
tion basis set out for type (volumes/
direct costs/number of films) and for the
resulting allocation of each across the five
procedures. This set of tables is worthy of
further study by the manager.
Exhibit 6-1 sets out the direct costs for a
freestanding dialysis center. These costs, as
direct costs, are what the organization’s
managers believe can be traced to the specific operation of the freestanding center. Exhibit
6-2 sets out the indirect costs for a freestanding dialysis center. These costs are what the or-
ganization’s managers believe are not directly attributable to the specific operation of the
freestanding center. The decisions about what will and what will not be considered direct
or indirect costs will almost always have been made for the manager.3 What is important is
that the manager understand two things: first, why this is so, and second, how the relation-
ship between the two works. Remember the rule of thumb discussed earlier in this chapter.
If the answer to the following question is
“yes,” then the cost is a direct cost: “If the op-
erating unit (such as a department) did not
exist, would this cost not be in existence?”
RESPONSIBILITY CENTERS
In a previous chapter, we discussed revenue
centers, whereby managers are responsible
for generating revenue (or volume). We also
previously discussed cost centers, whereby
managers are responsible for managing and
controlling cost. The responsibility center
Exhibit 6–1 Example of Freestanding Dialysis
Center Direct Costs
Salaries and fringe benefits $500,000
Salaries—other professional 40,000
Medical director 40,000
Medical supplies 550,000
Pharmacy 1,130,000
Dialysis center equipment
depreciation 80,000
Utilities 80,000
Housekeeping and laundry 20,000
Property taxes 40,000
Other supplies and costs 20,000
Total direct costs $2,500,000
Source: Adapted from D.A. West, T.D. West,
and P.J. Malone, Managing Capital and
Administrative (Indirect) Costs to Achieve
Strategic Objectives: The Dialysis Clinic versus
the Outpatient Clinic, Journal of Health Care
Finance, Vol. 25, No. 2, p. 24, © 1998, Aspen
Publishers, Inc.
Exhibit 6–2 Example of Freestanding Dialysis
Center Indirect Costs
Indirect Costs
Facility costs $300,000
Administrative costs 300,000
Total indirect costs $600,000
Courtesy of Resource Group, Ltd., Dallas,
Texas.
makes a manager responsible for both the revenue/volume (inflow) side and the expense
(outflow) side of a department, division, unit, or program. In other words, the manager is
responsible for generating revenue/volume and for controlling costs. Another term for re-
sponsibility center is profit center.
We will examine the type of information a manager receives about his or her own re-
sponsibility center by reviewing the Westside Center operations. Westside Center offers two
basic types of services: an ambulatory surgery center and a rehabilitation center. The man-
agement of Westside is overseen by Bill, the director. Joe manages the ambulatory surgery
center. Bonnie manages the rehabilitation center. Denise, a part-time radiologist, provides
radiology services on an as-needed basis. Joe, Bonnie, and Denise, the managers, all report
to Bill, the director. Figure 6-2 illustrates the managerial relationships.
To restate the relationships shown in Figure 6-2, Joe manages a responsibility center for am-
bulatory surgery services. Bonnie manages a responsibility center for rehabilitation services.
These services represent the business of West-
side Center. Denise manages the radiology
services, but this is not a responsibility center
in the Westside organization. Instead, it is a
support center. Bill, the director, manages a
bigger responsibility center that includes all
of the functions just described, plus the gen-
eral and administrative support center.
Bill, the director, receives a managerial
report, shown in Exhibit 6-3. Bill’s “Direc-
tor’s Summary” contains the data for the en-
tire Westside operation.
Figure 6-3 illustrates the reports received
by each manager at Westside. Joe’s report
for the ambulatory surgery center is at the
Responsibility Centers 53
Westside
Center
Director
Westside
Ambulatory
Surgery Center
Responsibility
Center
Manager
General &
Administrative
Support Center
Radiology
Support Center
Manager
Westside
Rehab Center
Responsibility
Center
Manager
Figure 6–2 Lines of Managerial Responsibility at Westside Center.
Courtesy of Resource Group, Ltd., Dallas, Texas.
Exhibit 6–3 Director’s Summar y of Westside
ASC and Rehab Responsibility Center
ASC R/C Surplus $70,000.00
Rehab R/C Surplus 85,000.00
Less G&A Support Ctr (80,000.00)
Less Radiology Support Ctr (20,000.00)
Net Surplus $55,000.00
Courtesy of Resource Group, Ltd., Dallas,
Texas.
54 CHAPTER 6 Cost Classifications
top right of Figure 6-3. His report shows the controllable revenues he is responsible for
($225,000), less the controllable expenses he is responsible for ($150,000). The difference
is labeled “ASC Responsibility Center Surplus” on his report. The surplus amounts to
$70,000 ($225,000 minus $150,000).
Bonnie’s report for the rehabilitation center is the second report on the right of Figure
6-3. Her report shows the controllable revenues she is responsible for ($300,000), less the
Director’s Summary of
Westside ASC & Rehab Center
ASC R/C Surplus $70,000.00
Rehab R/C Surplus 85,000.00
Less G&A Suppor t Ctr (80,000.00)
Less Radiology Support Ctr (20,000.00)
Net Surplus $55,000.00
Westside ASC
Responsibility Center
Therapy Manager
Controllable revenues:
Patient fees $300,000.00
Controllable expenses:
Wages 120,000.00
Payroll taxes, other fringes 30,000.00
Billable supplies 50,000.00
Medical supplies 10,000.00
Continuing education 3,000.00
Licenses and permits 2,000.00
Total expenses 215,000.00
Rehab R/C surplus $85,000.00
Westside ASC
Responsibility Center
Medical/Surgical Manager
Controllable revenues:
Patient fees $225,000.00
Controllable expenses:
Wages 100,000.00
Payroll taxes, other fringes 25,000.00
Billable supplies 20,000.00
Medical supplies 10,000.00
Total expenses 155,000.00
ASC R/C surplus $70,000.00
General & Administrative
Support Center
Salaries $40,000.00
Payroll taxes, other fringes 10,000.00
Office supplies 1,200.00
Telephone 2,400.00
Rent 10,800.00
Utilities 4,800.00
Insurance 1,200.00
Depreciation 9,600.00
Total expenses $80,000.00
Radiology Support Center
Radiology Manager
Salaries $12,000.00
Payroll taxes, other fringes 3,000.00
Radiology supplies 5,000.00
Total expenses $20,000.00
Figure 6–3 Westside Costs by Responsibility Center.
Courtesy of Resource Group, Ltd., Dallas, Texas.
Distinction between Product and Period Costs 55
controllable expenses she is responsible for ($215,000). The difference is labeled “Rehab
Responsibility Center Surplus” on her report. The surplus amounts to $85,000 ($300,000
minus $215,000).
Denise’s report for radiology services is at the bottom right of Figure 6-3. Her report
shows the controllable expenses she is responsible for, which amount to $20,000. Her re-
port shows only expenses because it is a support center, not a responsibility center. There-
fore, Denise is responsible for expenses but not for revenue/volume.
Bill, the director, receives a report for the general and administrative (G&A) expenses, as
shown second from the bottom right of Figure 6-3. This report shows the G&A controllable
expenses that Bill himself is responsible for at Westside, which amount to $80,000. The G&A
report shows only expenses because it also is a support center, not a responsibility center.
Therefore, Bill is responsible for expenses but not for revenue/volume in the case of G&A.
However, Bill is also responsible for the entire Westside operation. That is, the overall
Westside operation is his responsibility center. Therefore, Bill’s director’s summary, repro-
duced on the left side of Figure 6-3, contains the results of both responsibility centers and
both support centers. The surplus figures from Joe and Bonnie’s reports are positive figures
of $70,000 and $85,000, respectively. The expense-only figures from Bill’s G&A support cen-
ter report and from Denise’s radiology support center report are negative figures of
$80,000 and $20,000, respectively. Therefore, to find the result of operations for Bill’s en-
tire Westside operation, the $80,000 and the $20,000 expense figures are subtracted from
the surplus figures to arrive at a net surplus for Westside of $55,000.
Although the lines of managerial responsibility will vary in other organizations, the rela-
tionships between and among responsibility centers, support centers, and overall supervi-
sion will remain as shown in this example.
DISTINCTION BETWEEN PRODUCT AND PERIOD COSTS
Product costs is a term that was originally associated with manufacturing rather than with
services. The concept of product costs assumes that a product has been manufactured and
placed into inventory while waiting to be sold. Then, whenever that product is sold, the
product is matched with revenue and recognized as a cost. Thus, cost of sales is the common
usage for manufacturing firms. (The concept of matching revenues and expenses has been
discussed in a preceding chapter.)
Period costs, in the original manufacturing interpretation, are not connected with the
manufacturing process. They are matched with revenue on the basis of the period during
which the cost is incurred (thus period costs). The term comes from the span of time in
which matching occurs, known as time period.
Service organizations have no manufacturing process as such. The business of health-
care service organizations is service delivery, not the manufacturing of products. Although
the overall concept of product versus period cost is not as vital to service delivery, the dis-
tinction remains important for managers in health care to know.
In healthcare organizations, product cost can be viewed as traceable to the cost object of
the department, division, or unit. A period cost is not traceable in this manner. Another way
to view this distinction is to think of product costs as those costs necessary to actually deliver
the service, whereas period costs are costs necessary to support the existence of the orga-
nization itself.
56 CHAPTER 6 Cost Classifications
Finally, medical supply and pharmacy departments do have inventories on hand. In their
case, a product is purchased (rather than manufactured) and placed into inventory while
waiting to be dispensed. Then, whenever that product is dispensed, the product is matched
with revenue and recognized as a cost of providing the service to the patient. Therefore, the
product cost concept is important to managers of departments that hold a significant
amount of inventory.
INFORMATION CHECKPOINT
What Is Needed? Example of a management report that uses direct/indirect
cost.
Where Is It Found? With your supervisor, in administration, or in information
services.
How Is It Used? To track operations directly associated with the unit.
What Is Needed? Example of a management report that uses responsibility
centers.
Where Is It Found? With your supervisor, in administration, or in information
services.
How Is It Used? To reflect operations that a manager is specifically respon-
sible for and to measure those operations for planning
and control.
KEY TERMS
Cost Object
Direct Cost
Indirect Cost
Joint Cost
Responsibility Centers
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. In your own workplace, can you give a good example of a direct cost? An indirect
cost?
2. What is the difference?
3. Does your organization use responsibility centers?
4. If not, do you think they should? Why?
5. If so, do you believe the responsibility centers operate properly? Would you make
changes? Why?
P A R T
Too l s t o A n a l y z e
& Understand
Financial
Operations
III
59
Cost Behavior and
B re a k – E v e n
A n a l y s i s 7
C H A P T E R
DISTINCTION BETWEEN FIXED, VARIABLE,
AND SEMIVARIABLE COSTS
This chapter emphasizes the distinction between fixed,
variable, and semivariable costs because this knowledge
is a basic working tool in financial management. The
manager needs to know the difference between fixed
and variable costs to compute contribution margins and
break-even points. The manager also needs to know
about semivariable costs to make good decisions about
how to treat these costs.
Fixed costs are costs that do not vary in total when ac-
tivity levels (or volume) of operations change. This con-
cept is illustrated in Figure 7-1. The horizontal axis of the
graph shows number of residents in the Jones Group
Home, and the vertical axis shows total monthly fixed
cost in dollars. In this graph, the total monthly fixed co
st
for the group home is $3,000, and that amount does not
change, whether the number of residents (the activity
level or volume) is low or high. A good example of a
fixed cost is rent expense. Rent would not vary whether
the home was almost full or almost empty; thus, rent is a
fixed cost.
Variable costs, on the other hand, are costs that vary in
direct proportion to changes in activity levels (or vol-
ume) of operations. This concept is illustrated in Figure
7-2. The horizontal axis of the graph shows number of
residents in the Jones Group Home, and the vertical axis
shows total monthly variable cost in dollars. In this graph,
the monthly variable cost for the group home changes
proportionately with the number of residents (the activ-
ity level or volume) in the home. A good example of a
After completing this chapter,
you should be able to
1. Understand the distinction
between fixed, variable, and
semivariable costs.
2. Be able to analyze mixed costs
by two methods.
3. Understand the computation of
a contribution margin.
4. Be able to compute the cost-
volume-profit (CVP) ratio.
5. Be able to compute the profit-
volume (PV) ratio.
P r o g r e s s N o t e s
variable cost is food for the group home residents. Food would vary directly, depending on
the number of individuals in residence; thus, food is a variable cost.
Semivariable costs vary when the activity levels (or volume) of operations change, but
not in direct proportion. The most frequent pattern of semivariable costs is the step pat-
tern, where the semivariable cost rises, flattens out for a bit, and then rises again. The step
pattern of semivariable costs is illustrated in Figure 7-3. The horizontal axis of the graph
shows number of residents in the Jones Group Home, and the vertical axis shows total
monthly semivariable cost. In this graph, the behavior of the cost line resembles stair steps:
60 CHAPTER 7 Cost Behavior and Break-Even Analysis
0
1000
2000
3000
4000
5000
0 10 20 30 40 50 60
Number of Residents
To
ta
l M
o
n
th
ly
F
ix
e
d
C
o
st
Figure 7–1 Fixed Costs—Jones Group Home.
0
1000
2000
3000
4000
0 10 20 30 40 50 60
Number of Residents
To
ta
l M
o
n
th
ly
V
a
ri
a
b
le
C
o
st
Figure 7–2 Variable Cost—Jones Group Home.
Distinction between Fixed, Variable, and Semivariable Costs 61
thus, the “step pattern” name for this configuration. The most common example of a semi-
variable expense in health care is supervisors’ salaries. A single supervisor, for example, can
perform adequately over a range of rises in activity levels (or volume). When another su-
pervisor has to be added, the rise in the step pattern occurs.
It is important to know, however, that there are two ways to think about fixed cost. The
usual view is the flat line illustrated on the graph in Figure 7-1. That flat line represents total
monthly cost for the group home. However, another perception is presented in Figure 7-4.
The top view of fixed costs in Figure 7-4 is the usual flat line just discussed. The bottom view
is fixed cost per resident. Think about the figure for a moment: the top view is dollars in
total for the home for the month, and the bottom view is fixed-cost dollars by number of
residents. The line is no longer flat but declines because this view of cost declines with each
additional resident.
We can also think about variable cost in two ways. The usual view of variable cost is the di-
agonal line rising from the bottom of the graph to the top, as illustrated in Figure 7-2. That
steep diagonal line represents monthly cost varying in direct proportion with number of
residents in the home. However, another perception is presented in Figure 7-5. The top
view of variable costs in Figure 7-5 represents total monthly variable cost and is the usual di-
agonal line just discussed. The bottom view is variable cost per resident. Think about this
figure for a moment: the top view is dollars in total for the home for the month, and the
bottom view is variable-cost dollars by number of residents. The line is no longer diagonal
but is now flat because this view of variable cost stays the same proportionately for each res-
ident. A good way to think about Figures 7-4 and 7-5 is to realize that they are close to being
mirror images of each other.
Semifixed costs are sometimes used in healthcare organizations, especially in regard to
staffing. Semifixed costs are the reverse of semivariable costs: that is, they stay fixed for a
time as activity levels (or volume) of operations change, but then they will rise; then they
0
3000
6000
9000
12000
0 10 20 30 40 50 60
Number of Residents
To
ta
l S
e
m
iv
a
ri
a
b
le
C
o
st
Figure 7–3 Semivariable Cost—Jones Group Home.
62 CHAPTER 7 Cost Behavior and Break-Even Analysis
will plateau; then they will rise. Thus, semifixed costs can exhibit a step pattern similar to
that of variable costs.1 However, the semifixed cost “steps” tend to be longer between rises
in cost. In summary, both semifixed and semivariable costs have mixed elements of fixed
and variable costs. Thus, both semivariable and semifixed costs are called mixed costs.
EXAMPLES OF VARIABLE AND FIXED COSTS
Studying examples of expenses that are designated as variable and fixed helps to under-
stand the differences between them. It should also be mentioned that some expenses
can be variable to one organization and fixed to another because they are handled differ-
0
100
200
300
400
0 10 20 30 40 50 60
Number of Residents
F
ix
e
d
C
o
st
p
e
r
R
e
si
d
e
n
t
Fixed Cost per Resident
0
1000
2000
3000
4000
5000
0 10 20 30 40 50 60
Number of Residents
To
ta
l M
o
n
th
ly
F
ix
e
d
C
o
st
Total Monthly Fixed Cost
Figure 7–4 Two Views of Fixed Costs.
ently by the two organizations. Operating room fixed and variable costs are illustrated in
Table 7-1. Thirty-two expense accounts are listed in Table 7-1: 11 are variable, 20 are desig-
nated as fixed by this hospital, and 1, equipment depreciation, is listed separately.2 (The
separate listing is because of the way this hospital’s accounting system handles equipment
depreciation.)
Another example of semivariable and fixed staffing is presented in Table 7-2. The costs
are expressed as full-time equivalent staff (FTEs). Each line-item FTE will be multiplied
times the appropriate wage or salary to obtain the semivariable and fixed costs for the op-
erating room. (The further use of FTEs for staffing purposes is fully discussed in Chapter
9.) The supervisor position is fixed, which indicates that this is the minimum staffing that
Examples of Variable and Fixed Costs 63
0 10 20 30 40 50 60
Number of Residents
V
a
ri
a
b
le
C
o
st
p
e
r
R
e
si
d
e
n
t
Variable Cost per Resident
0
10000
20000
30000
40000
0 10 20 30 40 50 60
Number of Residents
To
ta
l M
o
n
th
ly
V
a
ri
a
b
le
C
o
st
Total Monthly Variable Cost
0
200
400
600
800
Figure 7–5 Two Views of Variable Costs.
64 CHAPTER 7 Cost Behavior and Break-Even Analysis
can be allowed. The single aide/orderly and the clerical position are also indicated as fixed.
All the other positions—technicians, RNs, and LPNs—are listed as semivariable, which in-
dicates that they are probably used in the semivariable step pattern that has been previously
discussed in this chapter. This table is a good example of how to show clearly which costs
will be designated as semivariable and which costs will be designated as fixed.
Table 7–1 Operating Room Fixed and Variable Costs
Account Total Variable Fixed Equipment
Social Security $ 60,517 $ 60,517 $ $
Pension 20,675 20,675
Health Insurance 8,422 8,422
Child Care 4,564 4,564
Patient Accounting 155,356 155,356
Admitting 110,254 110,254
Medical Records 91,718 91,718
Dietary 27,526 27,526
Medical Waste 2,377 2,377
Sterile Procedures 78,720 78,720
Laundry 40,693 40,693
Depreciation—Equipment 87,378 87,378
Depreciation—Building 41,377 41,377
Amortization—Interest (5,819) (5,819)
Insurance 4,216 4,216
Administration 57,966 57,966
Medical Staff 1,722 1,722
Community Relations 49,813 49,813
Materials Management 64,573 64,573
Human Resources 31,066 31,066
Nursing Administration 82,471 82,471
Data Processing 17,815 17,815
Fiscal 17,700 17,700
Telephone 2,839 2,839
Utilities 26,406 26,406
Plant 77,597 77,597
Environmental Services 32,874 32,874
Safety 2,016 2,016
Quality Management 10,016 10,016
Medical Staff 9,444 9,444
Continuous Quality Improvement 4,895 4,895
EE Health 569 569
Total Allocated $1,217,756 $600,822 $529,556 $87,378
Source: Adapted from J.J. Baker, Activity-Based Costing and Activity-Based Management for Health Care, p. 191, © 1998, Aspen Pub-
lishers, Inc.
Analyzing Mixed Costs 65
Another example illustrates the behavior
of a single variable cost in a doctor’s office.
In Table 7-3, we see an array of costs for the
procedure code 99214 office visit type. Nine
costs are listed. The first cost is variable and
is discussed momentarily. The other eight
costs are all shown at the same level for a
99214 office visit: supplies, for example, is
the same amount in all four columns. The
single figure that varies is the top line, which
is “report of lab tests,” meaning laboratory
reports. This cost directly varies with the
proportion of activity or volume, as variable
cost has been defined. Here we see a vari-
able cost at work: the first column on the left has no lab report, and the cost is zero; the sec-
ond column has one lab report, and the cost is $3.82; the third column has two lab reports,
and the cost is $7.64; and the fourth column has three lab reports, and the cost is $11.46.
The total cost rises by the same proportionate increase as the increase in the first line.
ANALYZING MIXED COSTS
It is important for planning purposes for the manager to know how to deal with mixed costs
because they occur so often. For example, telephone, maintenance, repairs, and utilities
are all actually mixed costs. The fixed portion of the cost is that portion representing hav-
ing the service (such as telephone) ready to use, and the variable portion of the cost repre-
sents a portion of the charge for actual consumption of the service. We briefly discuss two
Table 7–2 Operating Room Semivariable and
Fixed Staffing
Total No.
Job Positions of FTEs Semivariable Fixed
Supervisor 2.2 2.2
Techs 3.0 3.0
RNs 7.7 7.7
LPNs 1.2 1.2
Aides, orderlies 1.0 1.0
Clerical 1.2 1.2
Totals 16.3 11.9 4.4
Table 7–3 Office Visit with Variable Cost of Tests
99214 99214 99214 99214
Service Code No Test 1 Test 2 Tests 3 Tests
Report of lab tests 0.00 3.82 7.64 11.46
Fixed overhead $31.00 $31.00 $31.00 $31.00
Physician 11.36 11.36 11.36 11.36
Medical assistant 1.43 1.43 1.43 1.43
Bill 0.45 0.45 0.45 0.45
Checkout 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Receptionist 1.28 1.28 1.28 1.28
Collection 0.91 0.91 0.91 0.91
Supplies 0.31 0.31 0.31 0.31
Total visit cost $47.74 $51.56 $55.38 $59.20
66 CHAPTER 7 Cost Behavior and Break-Even Analysis
very simple methods of analyzing mixed costs, then we examine the high–low method and
the scatter graph method.
Predominant Characteristics and Step Methods
Both the predominant characteristics and the step method of analyzing mixed costs are
quite simple. In the predominant characteristic method, the manager judges whether the
cost is more fixed or more variable and acts on that judgment. In the step method, the man-
ager examines the “steps” in the step pattern of mixed cost and decides whether the cost
appears to be more fixed or more variable. Both methods are subjective.
High–Low Method
As the term implies, the high–low method of analyzing mixed costs requires that the cost
be examined at its high level and at its low level. To compute the amount of variable cost in-
volved, the difference in cost between high and low levels is obtained and is divided by the
amount of change in the activity (or volume). Two examples are examined.
The first example is for an employee cafeteria. Table 7-4 contains the basic data required
for the high–low computation. With the formula described in the preceding paragraph, the
following steps are performed:
1. Find the highest volume of 45,000
meals at a cost of $165,000 in Septem-
ber (see Table 7-4) and the lowest
volume of 20,000 meals at a cost of
$95,000 in March.
2. Compute the variable rate per meal as
No. of Cafeteria
Meals Cost
Highest volume 45,000 $165,000
Lowest volume 20,000 95,000
Difference 25,000 70,000
3. Divide the difference in cost ($70,000)
by the difference in number of meals
(25,000) to arrive at the variable cost
rate:
$70,000 divided by 25,000 meals �
$2.80 per meal
Table 7–4 Employee Cafeteria Number of Meals
and Cost by Month
No. of Employee
Month Meals Cafeteria Cost
($)
July 40,000 164,000
August 43,000 167,000
September 45,000 165,000
October 41,000 162,000
November 37,000 164,000
December 33,000 146,000
January 28,000 123,000
February 22,000 91,800
March 20,000 95,000
April 25,000 106,800
May 30,000 130,200
June 35,000 153,000
4. Compute the fixed overhead rate as follows:
a. At the highest level:
Total cost $165,000
Less: variable portion
[45,000 meals � $2.80 @] (126,000)
Fixed portion of cost $ 39,000
b. At the lowest level
Total cost $ 95,000
Less: variable portion
[20,000 meals � $2.80 @] (56,000)
Fixed portion of cost $ 39,000
c. Proof totals: $39,000 fixed portion at both levels
The manager should recognize that large or small dollar amounts can be adapted to this
method. A second example concerns drug samples and their cost. In this example, a su-
pervisor of marketing is concerned about the number of drug samples used by the various
members of the marketing staff. She uses the high–low method to determine the portion
of fixed cost. Table 7-5 contains the basic data required for the high–low computation.
Using the formula previously described, the following steps are performed:
1. Find the highest volume of 1,000 samples at a cost of $5,000 (see Table 7-5) and the
lowest volume of 750 samples at a cost of $4,200.
2. Compute the variable rate per sample as
No. of
Samples Cost
Highest volume 1,000
$5,000
Lowest volume 750 4,200
Difference 250 $ 800
3. Divide the difference in cost ($800) by the difference in number of samples (250) to
arrive at the variable cost rate:
$800 divided by 250 samples �
$3.20 per sample
4. Compute the fixed overhead rate as
follows:
a. At the highest level:
Total cost $5,000
Less: variable portion
[1,000 samples � $3.20 @] (3,200)
Fixed portion of cost $1,800
b. At the lowest level
Total cost $4,200
Analyzing Mixed Costs 67
Table 7–5 Number of Drug Samples and Cost for
November
Rep. No. of Samples Cost
J. Smith 1,000 5,000
A. Jones 900 4,300
B. Baker 850 4,600
G. Black 975 4,500
T. Potter 875 4,7
50
D. Conner 750 4,200
68 CHAPTER 7 Cost Behavior and Break-Even Analysis
Less: variable portion
[750 samples � $3.20 @] (2,400)
Fixed portion of cost $1,800
c. Proof totals: $1,800 fixed portion at both levels
The high–low method is an approximation that is based on the relationship between the
highest and the lowest levels, and the computation assumes a straight-line relationship. The
advantage of this method is its convenience in the computation method.
CONTRIBUTION MARGIN, COST-VOLUME-PROFIT, AND PROFIT-VOLUME
RATIOS
The manager should know how to analyze the relationship of cost, volume, and profit.
This important information assists the manager in properly understanding and control-
ling operations. The first step in such analysis is the computation of the contribution
margin.
Contribution Margin
The contribution margin is calculated in this way:
% of Revenue
Revenues (net) $500,000 100%
Less: variable cost (350,000) 70%
Contribution margin $150,000 30%
Less: fixed cost (120,000)
Operating income $30,000
The contribution margin of $150,000 or 30 percent, in this example, represents variable
cost deducted from net revenues. The answer represents the contribution margin, so called
because it contributes to fixed costs and to profits.
The importance of dividing costs into fixed and variable becomes apparent now, for a
contribution margin computation demands either fixed or variable cost classifications; no
mixed costs are recognized in this calculation.
Cost-Volume-Profit (CVP) Ratio or Break Even
The break-even point is the point when the contribution margin (i.e., net revenues less
variable costs) equals the fixed costs. When operations exceed this break-even point, an
excess of revenues over expenses (income) is realized. But if operations does not reach
the break-even point, there will be an excess of expenses over revenues, and a loss will be
realized.
The manager must recognize there are two ways of expressing the break-even point: ei-
ther by an amount per unit or as a percentage of net revenues. If the contribution margin
is expressed as a percentage of net revenues, it is often called the profit-volume (PV) ratio.
A PV ratio example follows this cost-volume-profit (CVP) computation.
The CVP example is given in Figure 7-6. The data points for the chart come from the
contribution margin as already computed:
% of Revenue
Revenues (net) $500,000 100%
Less: variable cost (350,000) 70%
Contribution margin $150,000 30%
Less: fixed cost (120,000)
Operating income $30,000
Three lines were first drawn to create the chart. They were total fixed costs of $120,000,
total revenue of $500,000, and variable costs of $350,000. (All three are labeled on the
chart.) The break-even point appears at the point where the total cost line intersects the
revenue line. Because this point is indeed the break-even point, the organization will have
no profit and no loss but will break even. The wedge shape to the left of the break-even
point is potential net loss, whereas the narrower wedge to the right is potential net income
(both are labeled on the chart).
Contribution Margin, Cost-Volume-Profit, and Profit-Volume Ratios 69
Figure 7–6 Cost-Volume-Profit (CVP) Chart for a Wellness Clinic.
Courtesy of Resource Group, Ltd., Dallas, Texas.
0
100
200
300
400
$500
0 1000 2000 3000 4000 5000
Variable Cost
Line
Fixed Cost
Line
Break-Even
Point
Revenue
Line
Net
Operating
Income
Net
Loss
F
ix
e
d
C
o
s
ts
V
a
ri
a
b
le
C
o
s
ts
Number of Visits
R
e
ve
n
u
e
(
in
t
h
o
u
sa
n
d
s)
70 CHAPTER 7 Cost Behavior and Break-Even Analysis
CVP charts allow a visual illustration of the relationships that is very effective for the
manager.
Profit-Volume (PV) Ratio
Remember that the second method of expressing the break-even point is as a percentage
of net revenues and that if the contribution margin is expressed as a percentage of net rev-
enues, it is called the profit-volume (PV) ratio. Figure 7-7 illustrates the method. The basic
data points used for the chart were as follows:
Revenue per visit $100.00) 100%
Less variable cost per visit (70.00) 70%
Contribution margin per visit $ 30.00 30%
Fixed costs per period $120,000
$30.00 contribution margin per visit divided by $100 price per visit � 30% PV Ratio
On our chart, the profit pattern is illustrated by a line drawn from the beginning level of
fixed costs to be recovered ($120,000 in our case). Another line has been drawn straight
across the chart at the break-even point. When the diagonal line begins at $120,000, its in-
tersection with the break-even or zero line is at $400,000 in revenue (see left-hand dotted
line on chart). We can prove out the $120,000 versus $400,000 relationship as follows. Each
dollar of revenue reduces the potential of loss by $0.30 (or 30% � $1.00). Fixed costs are
fully recovered at a revenue level of $400,000, proved out as $120,000 divided by .30 =
$400,000. This can be written as follows:
.30R � $120,000
R � $400,000 [120,000 divided by .30 = 400,000]
The PV chart is very effective in planning meetings because only two lines are necessary
to show the effect of changes in volume. Both PV and CVP are useful when working with
the effects of changes in break-even points and revenue volume assumptions.
Contribution margins are also useful for showing profitability in other ways. An example
appears in Figure 7-8, which shows the profitability of various DRGs, using contribution
margins as the measure of profitability. Case volume (the number of cases of each DRG) is
on the vertical axis of the matrix, and the dollar amount of contribution margin is on the
horizontal axis of the matrix.3
Scatter Graph Method
In performing a mixed-cost analysis, the manager is attempting to find the mixed cost’s av-
erage rate of variability. The scatter graph method is more accurate than the high–low
method previously described. It uses a graph to plot all points of data, rather than the high-
est and lowest figures used by the high–low method. Generally, cost will be on the vertical
Contribution Margin, Cost-Volume-Profit, and Profit-Volume Ratios 71
Break-Even
Point
+100
+90
+80
+70
+60
+50
+40
+30
+20
+10
0
–10
–20
–30
–40
–50
–60
–70
–80
–90
–100
–
110
–120
–130
–140
–
150
+100
+90
+80
+70
+60
+50
+40
+30
+20
+10
0
–10
–20
–30
–40
–50
–60
–70
–80
–90
–100
–110
–120
–130
–140
–150
N
e
t
L
o
s
s
(u
n
d
e
r
b
re
a
k-
e
ve
n
)
N
e
t
In
c
o
m
e
(o
ve
r
b
re
a
k-
e
ve
n
)
Net
Income
Net Loss
(due to
unrecovered
fixed costs)
Safety
Cushion
(before
break-even)
0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700
Revenue (in thousands of dollars)
Fixed Costs
Recovered
Projected
Revenues
Figure 7–7 Profit-Volume (PV) Chart for a Wellness Clinic.
Courtesy of Resource Group, Ltd., Dallas, Texas.
axis of the graph, and volume will be on the horizontal axis. All points are plotted, each
point being placed where cost and volume intersect for that line item. A regression line is
then fitted to the plotted points. The regression line basically represents the average—or a
line of averages. The average total fixed cost is found at the point where the regression line
intersects with the cost axis.
Two examples are examined. They match the high–low examples previously calculated.
Figure 7-9 presents the cafeteria data. The costs for cafeteria meals have been plotted on
the graph, and the regression line has been fitted to the plotted data points. The regression
line strikes the cost axis at a certain point; that amount represents the fixed cost portion of
the mixed cost. The balance (or the total less the fixed cost portion) represents the variable
portion.
The second example also matches the high–low example previously calculated. Figure
7-10 presents the drug sample data. The costs for drug samples have been plotted on the
graph, and the regression line has been fitted to the plotted data points. The regression line
again strikes the cost axis at the point representing the fixed-cost portion of the mixed cost.
The balance (the total less the fixed cost portion) represents the variable portion. Further
discussions of this method can be found in Examples and Exercises at the back of this book.
The examples presented here have regression lines fitted visually. However, computer pro-
grams are available that will place the regression line through statistical analysis as a function
72 CHAPTER 7 Cost Behavior and Break-Even Analysis
400
350
300
250
200
150
100
50
0
$0 $1,000 $2,000 $3,000 $4,000 $5,000 $6,000 $7,000
Contribution Margin per Case
C
a
se
V
o
lu
m
e
112
113
121
106
114
127
107
108
110
105
104 103
111
116
124
120
Figure 7–8 Profitability Matrix for Various DRGs, Using Contribution Margins.
Source: Adapted from S. Upda, Activity-Based Costing for Hospitals, Health Care Management Review, Vol. 21, No. 3, p. 85,
© 1996, Aspen Publishers, Inc.
Contribution Margin, Cost-Volume-Profit, and Profit-Volume Ratios 73
195
185
175
165
155
145
135
125
115
105
95
85
20,000 30,000 40,000 50,000
Volume
(Number of Meals)
C
o
st
T
h
o
u
sa
n
d
s
Figure 7–9 Employee Cafeteria Scatter Graph.
$5,250
$5,000
$4,750
$4,500
$4,250
$4,000
$3,750
$3,500
$3,250
$3,000
500 600 700 800 900 1000 1100
Volume
(Samples)
C
o
st
Figure 7–10 Drug Sample Scatter Graph for November.
of the program. This method is called the least-squares method. Least squares means that the
sum of the squares of the deviations from plotted points to regression line is smaller than
would occur from any other way the line could be fitted to the data: in other words, it is the
best fit. This method is, of course, more accurate than fitting the regression line visually.
74 CHAPTER 7 Cost Behavior and Break-Even Analysis
INFORMATION CHECKPOINT
What Is Needed? Revenues, variable cost, and fixed cost for a unit, division,
DRG, etc.
Where Is It Found? In operating reports.
How Is It Used? Use the multiple-step calculations in this chapter to com-
pute the CPV or the PV ratio; use to plan and control
operations.
KEY TERMS
Break-Even Analysis
Cost-Profit-Volume
Contribution Margin
Fixed Cost
Mixed Cost
Profit-Volume Ratio
Semifixed Cost
Semivariable Cost
Variable Cost
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. Have you seen reports in your workplace that set out the contribution margin?
2. Do you believe that contribution margins can help you manage in your present work?
In the future? How?
3. Have you encountered break-even analysis in your work?
4. If so, how was it used (or presented)?
5. How do you think you would use break-even analysis?
6. Do you believe your organization could use these analysis tools more often than is
now happening? What do you believe the benefits would be?
95
S t a ffing:
The Manager’
s
Responsibili ty 9
C H A P T E R
STAFFING REQUIREMENTS
In most businesses, a position is filled if the employee
works five days a week, generally Monday through Friday
.
But in health care, many positions must be filled, or cov-
ered, all seven days of the week. Furthermore, in most
businesses, a position is filled for that day if the employee
works an eight-hour day—from 9:00 to 5:00, for example.
But in health care, many positions must also be filled, or
covered, 24 hours a day. The patients need care on Sat-
urday and Sunday, as well as Monday through Friday, and
patients need care around the clock, 24 hours a day.
Thus, healthcare employees work in shifts. The shifts are
often eight-hour shifts, because three such shifts times eight
hours apiece equals 24-hour coverage. Some facilities have
gone to 12-hour shifts. In their case, two 12-hour shifts
equal 24-hour coverage. The manager is responsible for
seeing that an employee is present and working for each po-
sition and for every shift required for that position. There-
fore, it is necessary to understand and use the staffing
measurement known as the full-time equivalent (FTE). Two
different approaches are used to compute FTEs: the annu-
alizing method and the scheduled-position method. Full-
time equivalent is a measure to express the equivalent of an
employee (annualized) or a position (staffed) for the full
time required. We examine both methods in this chapter.
FTES FOR ANNUALIZING POSITIONS
Why Annualize?
Annualizing is necessary because each employee that
is eligible for benefits (such as vacation days) will not be
on duty for the full number of hours paid for by the
After completing this chapter,
you should be able to
1. Understand the differen
ce
between productive time and
nonproductive time.
2. Understand computing full-
time equivalents to annualize
staff positions.
3. Understand computing full-
time equivalents to fill a
scheduled position.
4. Tie cost to staffing.
P r o g r e s s N o t e s
96 CHAPTER 9 Staffing: The Manager’s Responsibility
organization. Annualizing thus allows the full cost of the position to be computed through
a burden approach. In the burden approach, the net hours desired are inflated, or bur-
dened, in order to arrive at the gross number of paid hours that will be needed to obtain
the desired number of net hours on duty from the employee.
Productive versus Nonproductive Time
Productive time actually equates to the employee’s net hours on duty when performing the
functions in his or her job description. Nonproductive time is paid-for time when the em-
ployee is not on duty: that is, not producing and therefore “nonproductive.” Paid-for vaca-
tion days, holidays, personal leave days, and/or sick days are all nonproductive time.1
Exhibit 9-1 illustrates productive time (net days when on duty) versus nonproductive
time (additional days paid for but not worked). In Exhibit 9-1, Bob, the security guard, is
Exhibit 9–1 Metropolis Clinic Security Guard Staffing
The Metropolis laboratory area has its own security guard from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM seven
days per week. Bob, the security guard for the clinic area, is a full-time Metropolis
employee.
He works as follows:
1. The area assigned to Bob is covered seven days per week for every week of the year.
Therefore,
Total days in business year 364
2. Bob doesn’t work on weekends (104)
(2 days per week � 52 weeks = 104 days)
Bob’s paid days total per year amount to 26
0
(5 days per week � 52 weeks = 260 days)
3. During the year Bob gets paid for:
Holidays 9
Sick days 7
Vacation days 7
Education days 2
(25)
4. Net paid days Bob actually works 235
Jim, a police officer, works part time as a security guard for the Metropolis laboratory
area. Jim works on the days when Bob is off, including:
Weekends 1
04
Bob’s holidays 9
Bob’s sick days 7
Bob’s vacation days 7
Bob’s education days 2
129
5. Paid days Jim works 129
6. Total days lab area security guard position is covered 364
paid for 260 days per year (total paid days) but works for only 235 days per year. The 235
days are productive time, and the remaining 25 days of holidays, sick days, vacation days,
and education days are nonproductive time.
FTE for Annualizing Positions Defined
For purposes of annualizing positions, the definition of FTE is as follows: the equivalent of
one full-time employee paid for one year, including both productive and nonproductive
(vacation, sick, holiday, education, etc.) time. Two employees each working half-time for
one year would be the same as one FTE.2
Staffing Calculations to Annualize Positions
Exhibit 9-2 contains a two-step process to perform the staffing calculation by the annualiz-
ing method. The first step computes the net paid days worked. In this step, the number of
paid days per year is first arrived at; then paid days not worked are deducted to arrive at net
paid days worked. The second step of the staffing calculation converts the net paid days
worked to a factor. In the example in Exhibit 9-2, the factor averages out to about 1.6.
FTEs for Annualizing Positions 97
Exhibit 9–2 Basic Calculation for Annualizing Master Staffing Plan
Step 1: Compute Net Paid Days Worked
RN LPN NA
Total Days in Business Year 364 364 364
Less Two Days off per Week 104* 104* 104*
No. of Paid Days per Year 260 260 260
Less Paid Days Not Worked:
Holidays 9 9 9
Sick Days 7 7 7
Vacation Days 15 15 15
Education Days 3 2 1
Net Paid Days Worked 226 227 228
Step 2: Convert Net Paid Days Worked to a Factor
RN Total days in business year divided by net paid days worked equals factor
364/226 = 1.6106195
LPN Total days in business year divided by net paid days worked equals factor
364/227 = 1.6035242
NA Total days in business year divided by net paid days worked equals factor
364/228 = 1.5964912
*Two days off per week equals 52 � 2 = 104.
Source: Data from J.J. Baker, Prospective Payment for Long Term Care, p. 116, © 1998, Aspen
Publishers, Inc. and S.A. Finkler, Budgeting Concepts for Nurse Managers, 2nd ed., pp. 174–185,
© 1992, W.B. Saunders Company.
98 CHAPTER 9 Staffing: The Manager’s Responsibility
This calculation is for a 24-hour around-the-clock staffing schedule. Thus, the 364 in the
step two formula equates to a 24-hour staffing expectation. Exhibit 9-3 illustrates such a
master staffing plan.
NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES REQUIRED TO FILL A POSITION:
ANOTHER WAY TO CALCULATE FTES
Why Calculate by Position?
The calculation of number of FTEs by the schedule position method—in other words, to
fill a position—is used in controlling, planning, and decision making. Exhibit 9-4 sets out
the schedule and the FTE computation. A summarized explanation of the calculation in
Exhibit 9-4 is as follows. One full-time employee (as shown) works 40 hours per week. One
Exhibit 9–3 Subacute Unit Master Staffing Plan
Staffing for Eight-Hour Nursing Shifts
Shift 1 Shift 2 Shift 3 24-Hour
Day + Evening + Night = Staff Total
RN 2 2 1 5
LPN 1 1 1 3
NA 5 4 2 11
Source: Adapted from J.J. Baker, Prospective Payment for Long Term Care, p. 116, © 1998, Aspen
Publishers, Inc.
Exhibit 9–4 Staffing Requirements Example
Emergency Department Scheduling for Eight-Hour Shifts:
24-Hour
Shift 1 Shift 2 Shift 3 Scheduling
Day Evening Night = Total
Position:
Emergency Room Intake 1 1 1 = 3 8-hour shifts
To Cover Position
Seven Days per Week
Equals FTEs of: 1.4 1.4 1.4 = 4.2 FTEs
One full-time employee works 40 hours per week. One eight-hour shift per day times
seven days per week equals 56 hours on duty. Therefore, to cover seven days per week or
56 hours requires 1.4 times a 40-hour employee (56 hours divided by 40 hours equals
1.4), or 1.4 FTEs.
eight-hour shift per day times seven days per week equals 56 hours on duty. Therefore, to
cover seven days per week or 56 hours requires 1.4 times a 40-hour employee (56 hours di-
vided by 40 hours equals 1.4), or 1.4 FTEs.
Staffing Calculations to Fill Scheduled Positions
The term staffing, as used here, means the assigning of staff to fill scheduled positions. The
staffing measure used to compute coverage is also called the FTE. It measures what propor-
tion of one single full-time employee is required to equate the hours required (e.g., full-time
equivalent) for a particular position. For example, the cast room has to be staffed 24 hours a
day, seven days a week because it supports the emergency room and therefore has to provide
service at any time. In this example, the employees are paid for an eight-hour shift. The three
shifts required to fill the position for 24 hours are called the day shift (7:00 AM to 3:00 PM), the
evening shift (3:00 PM to 11:00 PM), and the night shift (11:00 PM to 7:00 AM).
One eight-hour shift times five days per week equals a 40-hour work week. One 40-hour
work week times 52 weeks equals a person-year of 2,080 hours. Therefore, one person-year
of 2,080 hours equals a full-time position filled for one full year. This measure is our
baseline.
It takes seven days to fill the day shift cast room position from Monday through Sunday,
as required. Seven days is 140 percent of five days (seven divided by five equals 140 per-
cent), or, expressed another way, is 1.4. The FTE for the day shift cast room position is 1.4.
If a seven-day schedule is required, the FTE will be 1.4.
This method of computing FTEs uses a basic 40-hour work week (or a 37-hour work
week, or whatever is the case in the particular institution). The method computes a figure
that will be necessary to fill the position for the desired length of time, measuring this fig-
ure against the standard basic work week. For example, if the standard work week is 40
hours and a receptionist position is to be filled for just 20 hours per week, then the FTE for
that position would be 0.5 FTE (20 hours to fill the position divided by a 40-hour standard
work week). Table 9-1 illustrates the difference between a standard work year at 40 hours
per week and a standard work year at 37.5 hours per week.
TYING COST TO STAFFING
In the case of the annualizing method, the factor of 1.6 already has this organization’s va-
cation, holiday, sick pay, and other nonproductive days accounted for in the formula (re-
view Exhibit 9-2 to check out this fact). Therefore, this factor is multiplied times the base
hourly rate (the net rate) paid to compute cost.
In the case of the scheduled-position method, however, the FTE figure of 1.4 will be mul-
tiplied times a burdened hourly rate. The burden on the hourly rate reflects the vacation,
holiday, sick pay, and other nonproductive days accounted for in the formula (review
Exhibit 9-4 to see the difference). The scheduled-position method is often used in the
forecasting of new programs and services.
Actual cost is attached to staffing in the books and records through a subsidiary
journal and a basic transaction record (both discussed in a preceding chapter). Exhibit 9-5
Tying Cost to Staffing 99
100 CHAPTER 9 Staffing: The Manager’s Responsibility
illustrates a subsidiary journal in which employee hours worked for a one-week period are
recorded. Both regular and overtime hours are noted. The hourly rate, base pay, and over-
time premiums are noted, and gross earnings are computed. Deductions are noted and de-
ducted from gross earnings to compute the net pay for each employee in the final column.
Exhibit 9-6 illustrates a time card for one employee for a week-long period. This type of
record, whether it is generated by a time clock or an electronic entr y, is the original
record upon which the payroll process is based. Thus, it is considered a basic transaction
record. In this example, time in and time out are recorded daily. The resulting regular
and overtime hours are recorded separately for each day worked. Although the appear-
ance of the time card may var y, and it may be recorded within a computer instead of on a
hard copy, the essential transaction is the same: this recording of daily time is where the
payroll process begins.
Exhibit 9-7 represents an emergency department staffing report. Actual productive
time is shown in columns 1 and 2, with regular time in column 1 and overtime in column
2. Nonproductive time is shown in column 3, and columns 1, 2, and 3 are totaled to ar-
rive at column 4, labeled “Total [actual] Hours.” The final actual figure is the FTE figure
in column 5.
The report is biweekly and thus is for a two-week period. The standard work week
amounts to 40 hours, so the biweekly standard work period amounts to 80 hours. Note the
first line item, which is for the manager of the emergency department nursing service. The
actual hours worked in column 4 amount to 80, and the actual FTE figure in column 5 is
1.0. We can tell from this line item that the second method of computing FTEs—the FTE
computation to fill scheduled positions—has been used in this case. Columns 7 through 9
report budgeted time and FTEs, and columns 10 through 12 report the variance in actual
from budget. The budget and variance portions of this report will be more thoroughly dis-
cussed in Chapter 15.
In summary, hours worked and pay rates are essential ingredients of staffing plans, bud-
gets, and forecasts. Appropriate staffing is the responsibility of the manager.
Table 9–1 Calculations to Staff the Operating Roo
m
No. of Annual Hours No. of Annual Hours
Job Position No. of FTEs Paid at 2,080 Hours* Paid at 1,950 Hours
Supervisor 2.2 4,576 4,290
Techs 3.0 6,240 5,850
RNs 7.7 16,016 15,015
LPNs 1.2 2,496 2,340
Aides, orderlies 1.0 2,080 1,950
Clerical 1.2 2,496 2,340
Totals 16.3 33,904 31,785
*40 hours per week � 52 weeks � 2,080.
37.5 hours per week � 52 weeks � 1,950.
Tying Cost to Staffing 101
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102 CHAPTER 9 Staffing: The Manager’s Responsibility
Metropolis Health System
Time Card
Employee J.F. Green No. 1071
Department 3 Week ending June 10
Regular Overtime Hours
Day In Out In Out In Out Regular Overtime
Monday 8:00 12:01 1:02 5:04 8
Tuesday 7:56 12:00 12:59 5:03 6:00 8:00 8 2
Wednesday 7:57 12:02 12:58 5:00 8
Thursday 8:00 12:00 1:00 5:01 8
Friday 7:59 12:01 1:01 5:02 8
Saturday
Sunday
Total regular hours 40
Total overtime 2
Courtesy of Resource Group, Ltd., Dallas, Texas.
Exhibit 9–6 Example of a Time Record
Tying Cost to Staffing 103
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104 CHAPTER 9 Staffing: The Manager’s Responsibility
INFORMATION CHECKPOINT
What Is Needed? The original record of time and the subsidiary journal summary.
Where Is It Found? The original record can be found at any check-in point; the sub-
sidiary journal summary can be found with a supervisor in charge
of staffing for a unit, division, etc.
How Is It Used? It is reviewed as historical evidence of results achieved. It is also re-
viewed by managers seeking to perform future staffing in an effi-
cient manner.
KEY TERMS
Full-Time Equivalents (FTEs)
Nonproductive Time
Productive Time
Staffing
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. Are you or your immediate supervisor responsible for staffing?
2. If so, do you use a computerized program?
3. Do you believe a computerized program is better? If so, why?
4. Does your organization report time as “productive” and “nonproductive”?
5. If not, do you believe it should? What do you believe the benefits would be?
Cost
Classifications
HCA/270 Version 3
1
Associate Level Material
Cost Classifications
Consult Ch. 6 & 7 of Health Care Finance and other sources to complete the form. This worksheet requires you to match the definitions and examples of types of cost, and the types of centers where costs occur.
Part 1: For each term in Column A, select the correct definition from Column B on the right. Write the corresponding letter of the definition next to the term.
|
Column A |
||||
|
1. Indirect costs |
||||
|
2. Direct costs |
||||
|
3. Fixed costs |
||||
|
4. Variable costs 5. Step-fixed costs 6. Responsibility centers 7. Revenue centers 8. Cost centers 9. Shadow cost centers |
|
Column B – Definitions A. Costs incurred directly as a result of providing a specific service or good |
|
B. Centers charged with controlling costs and generate revenue |
|
C. Have no revenue budget and no obligation to earn revenue |
|
D. Costs that do not vary as service volume varies E. Fixed over some range of service volume, but rise to a new level for a higher range of service volume F. Costs that cannot be tied directly to the patient’s stay in the bed G. Exist as budgets on paper only H. The places where costs occur and have budgets I. Costs that change as volume changes |
Part II: For each real-world example, select the correct term from the list on the left. Write the corresponding letter of the real-world example next to the term.
|
Column B – Real-World Examples J. A subunit of a larger organization that is responsible for some type of budget, such as the payroll department or courier service |
|
K. Shares of depreciation, administration division, or laundry service |
|
L. Administration, human resources, or housekeeping |
|
M. Utility bill, supplies, or maintenance |
|
N. Nursing care, food consumed, drugs administered O. Hospital cafeteria, gift shop, or parking ramp P. Depreciation of hospital equipment Q. Building loan payment, building insurance, or cable or internet service R. The nurse-to-patient ratio on the cardiac unit is one to three patients. There are four nurses scheduled for 12 patients. During the second shift, three more patients are admitted. The nurse manager calls in a fifth nurse. |
Part III: Select two choices from Part II and explain why they meet that cost classification.
