Hospital Costs and Management Overview

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Questions and Answers

What percentage of the total healthcare expenditure in Canada was spent on the hospital sector in 2021?

35%

20%

30%

25% (correct)

Which of the following factors significantly contributes to a hospital's expenses?

Independent physician contracts

Population demographics

Employee wages and collective bargaining goals (correct)

Government healthcare policies

What is a characteristic of larger hospitals compared to smaller ones?

They experience shorter hospital stays.

They provide only outpatient services.

They typically have lower admission rates.

They usually conduct more complex surgeries. (correct)

What is the primary purpose of bed management systems in healthcare facilities?

To ensure timely admission and discharge of patients Signup and view all the answers

Which type of hospital is likely to have higher expenditures?

Research and teaching hospitals Signup and view all the answers

What was the average cost of a standard hospital stay in Canada in 2020?

$6,349 Signup and view all the answers

What is a common routine discharge time that hospitals aim for?

10 AM Signup and view all the answers

How does the mix of inpatient and outpatient admissions affect hospital costs?

Higher inpatient admissions generally lead to increased expenditures. Signup and view all the answers

What procedure involves the removal of the gallbladder?

Cholecystectomy Signup and view all the answers

What can happen if a patient is not discharged by the routine discharge time?

The hospital will incur additional costs Signup and view all the answers

What might patients feel due to hospital financial pressures?

Longer wait times Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect does NOT significantly influence hospital expenditures?

Local population income Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following patients can typically be managed on an outpatient basis?

Patients receiving chemotherapy Signup and view all the answers

Which device is used to keep a vein patent for outpatient intravenous medication administration?

Saline lock Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant reason for the chronic bed shortages in healthcare facilities?

Prolonged hospital stays Signup and view all the answers

Which term is synonymous with bed management in healthcare?

Patient navigation Signup and view all the answers

What does the PMPRB regulate regarding patented products?

The prices of all patented products sold through various channels. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best defines health human resources (HHR)?

Almost all individuals working in the health care field. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key challenge for health care organizations in managing staff?

Finding a balance between quality care and budget constraints. Signup and view all the answers

During what circumstances can physicians use Health Canada’s Special Access Program?

When conventional medications have proved ineffective or unavailable. Signup and view all the answers

Who are typically the largest regulated health professionals in Canada?

Physicians and nurses. Signup and view all the answers

Which group of health professionals is mainly responsible for care in Critical Care Units (CCUs)?

Registered nurses with specialized training. Signup and view all the answers

What role does funding play in the staffing of hospitals and healthcare facilities?

Employee salaries come from government-assigned funding envelopes. Signup and view all the answers

In long-term care facilities, how does the staffing typically differ from acute care hospitals?

They employ more licensed or registered practical nurses and support workers. Signup and view all the answers

What may become necessary in the future of health care in Canada due to limited resources?

Rationing of health care services Signup and view all the answers

How are most medically necessary services delivered in Canada?

Through a mix of public and private organizations Signup and view all the answers

During the pandemic, which type of patients were prioritized for care in triage protocols?

Younger patients without comorbidities Signup and view all the answers

What does the Canadian health care system predominantly rely on for funding?

Public funding from government sources Signup and view all the answers

What did hospitals during the pandemic have to develop to manage resources?

Triage protocols based on risk assessments Signup and view all the answers

Which two factors might influence decisions about service rationing?

Patient age and comorbidities Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant challenge to maintaining the current level of hospital care in Canada?

Insufficient funding across levels of government Signup and view all the answers

How do publicly funded health services operate in Canada?

They contract private organizations to deliver services Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of physicians were working in family medicine?

52% Signup and view all the answers

What is the prevailing payment method for physicians in Canada?

Fee-for-service (FFS) Signup and view all the answers

How does the amount a doctor bills under FFS relate to their services?

It relates to complexity, length of visit, and location. Signup and view all the answers

What type of funding pays doctors an annual fee for each patient?

Capitation-based funding Signup and view all the answers

What additional compensation do doctors receive for making house calls?

They can bill more for travel and time discrepancies. Signup and view all the answers

What issue is discouraging new graduates from choosing family medicine?

Underfunding for administrative work Signup and view all the answers

What is the billing rate for an intermediate visit and assessment in Ontario?

$36.85 Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a category available for visit fees under the FFS model?

Surgical assessment Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Hospital Costs

Hospitals are under pressure to operate efficiently due to the significant financial output required for the sector
The largest financial output of any other health care spending category is hospitals, representing 25% of total health care expenditure in 2021
The average cost of a standard hospital stay in Canada in 2020 was $6,349.

Factors Affecting Hospital Costs

Larger hospitals with more inpatient beds tend to have higher expenditures, often due to more complex surgeries and higher admission rates of acutely ill patients
Employee wages and collective bargaining goals achieved by hospital unions play a significant role in increasing hospital expenditures

Bed Management

Efficient bed management is a priority in hospitals due to chronic bed shortages and costs associated with prolonged hospital stays
Bed management, including allocation, patient access and flow, and navigation, is a system of policies and procedures to coordinate efforts that facilitate timely patient access and discharge

Timely Discharge

Hospitals aim to discharge inpatients before noon to avoid charges for an additional 24-hour period
For patients unable to leave by the discharge time, nurses will attempt to have them vacate the bed and wait in a lounge to avoid incurring extra costs

Outpatient and Community Support

Many patients can be managed on an outpatient basis, including those receiving chemotherapy and renal dialysis
Improvements in chemotherapy drugs and management regimens have led to fewer adverse effects and increased outpatient management options

Health Human Resources

Health human resources encompass all who work in the health care field, from primary care providers and nurses to technologists and administrative management
Nurses and physicians are the largest groups of regulated health professionals in Canada, and the two largest cost drivers of health human resources

Physician Funding Mechanisms

Fee-for-service (FFS) is the most widely accepted method of physician payment in Canada
FFS involves charging for every service performed, with claims submitted to the provincial or territorial plan for insurable assessments and services rendered
Doctors can bill for procedures, such as injections or wound suturing, and for visiting patients in the hospital

Capitation- or Population-Based Funding

Capitation-based funding pays doctors an annual fee for each patient in their practice
Some primary care groups have the option of rostering patients

Future of Health Care in Canada

The future of healthcare in Canada is uncertain but change is expected
Limited resources may necessitate rationing of services, a concept currently alien to Canadians
Utilizing healthcare resources wisely, promoting healthy lifestyles, and preventing disease are crucial for the future of Canadian healthcare

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Description

This quiz explores the various factors influencing hospital costs and expenditures, including the impact of larger facilities and employee wages. It also delves into the importance of efficient bed management amidst chronic shortages. Suitable for those interested in healthcare finance and hospital administration.