ADMINISTRATIVE DELAYS - IS THERE A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN FOR-PROFIT AND NONPROFIT HOSPITALS

Unnecessary administrative delays can account for significant costs if not identified and managed properly. This study compares the types of delays, the length of stay, and the estimated costs at a for-profit hospital and a nonprofit hospital. There was no significant difference between the two hospitals in terms of length of stay. A significant difference in cost was found, however. The major delay problems were related to unavailable outside resources, discharge planning, and physician involvement.