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 h ospital and a nonprofit hospital. There was no significant difference between the two hospitals in terms of length of stay. A significant di fference in cost was found, however. The major delay problems were rel ated to unavailable outside resources, discharge planning, and physici an involvement.