“Due to concerns over quality and access to care, the move to shorter (inpatient) stays is being monitored by patient-advocacy groups and legislators. It is imperative that facilities turn their attention to tighter control over the cost of ancillary services to meet expectations for controlling the costs of healthcare” McConnell, C.R. The Effective Health Care Supervisor 8th ed. Jones & Bartlett Learning, Burlington, MA
Questions:
1. How might ancillary services might be specifically targeted for cost reduction and should respiratory care be considered an ancillary service?
2. What potential impact will the significant reduction in the use of ancillary services have on the quality of care? Why?