Written for health care administrators with little accounting or finance background, this book provides a readable, easily understood overview of health care finance. Hy fully discusses accounting concepts, working capital, rate setting, cost analysis, accounts receivable, revenue sources, and inventory management. The abundant use of figures facilitates the understanding of complex financial concepts such as the financial functions involved with implementing operational and capital budgets, managing different types of accounts, determining costs, and setting prices. The aim throughout is to acquaint readers with the concepts involved and enable them to communicate effectively with finance officials.

In addition to thorough coverage of health care finance issues, the book also deals with some functions not normally covered in texts on the subject. These include both a thorough exploration of various types of revenue sources and an explanation of techniques used to cut costs associated with inventories, thereby saving organizations money. Especially valuable are appendices which illustrate two different procedures for estimating volume--the heart of financial forecasting. Practicing health care administrators whose job requires financial proficiency as well as students with no financial training will find this book an indispensable resource.