Fundamentals of Health Care Financial Management: A Practical Guide to Fiscal Issues and Activities, 4th Edition - Paperback

by Steven Berger (Author)

Learn the essentials of finance theory and practice with the tools needed in day-to-day practice

In this thoroughly revised and updated fourth edition of Fundamentals of Health Care Financial Management, consultant and educator Steven Berger offers a practical step-by-step approach to understanding the fundamental theories and relationships guiding financial decisions in health care organization. Using cases set in a fictional mid-sized hospital, the book takes the reader into the inner workings of the finance executive's office.

As in the previous editions, this book introduces students to key practical concepts in fundamental areas of financial management. This innovative introduction to the most-used tools and techniques includes health care accounting and financial statements; managing cash, billings and collections; making major capital investments; determining cost and using cost information in decision-making; budgeting and performance measurement; and pricing.

Also covered in depth are the financial implications of Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, which will increase patient volume, reduce bad debt, factor quality and patient satisfaction into the financial picture, and significantly affect how hospitals and physicians are paid for services.

Students focusing on the business side of health care will find Fundamentals of Health Care Financial Management: A Practical Guide to Fiscal Issues and Activities, 4^th Edition a valuable text for understanding the workings of the health care financial system.

Back Jacket

Fundamentals of Health Care Financial Management, 4th Edition

Fundamentals of Health Care Financial Management reveals all the inner workings of health care finance departments in one basic text. In this revised fourth edition, Steven Berger uses his friendly, step-by-step approach to understanding the fundamental theories, tools, and techniques of health care financial management.

At its heart, Fundamentals of Health Care Financial Management is a practical resource that will guide students through the complexities of health care finance, starting with the theoretical essentials and covering all the tools necessary in day-to-day operations, including:

• Health care accounting and basic financial statements necessary in health care organizations of varying sizes
• Major capital investments and strategic, long-term financial planning
• Health care organization tax status and year-end reporting
• Budgeting and performance measurement
• Calculating Medicare and Medicaid adjustments and making allowances for doubtful accounts
• Financial implications of the Affordable Care Act

Using the case of a fictional mid-sized medical center to illustrate the crucial concepts and issues of health care financial management, this fully updated fourth edition of Fundamentals of Health Care Financial Management: A Practical Guide to Fiscal Issues and Activities will help readers quickly understand and absorb the many financial decisions made in health care organizations.

Author Biography

STEVEN BERGER, CPA, is founder and president of Healthcare Insights, LLC, which specializes in health care and financial management training and consulting. Healthcare Insights has also created INSIGHTS, the health care industry's best practice decision support software. He has nearly 30 years' experience in the field and recently served a three-year term of membership on the Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA's) National Board of Examiners.