[Histonet] test cost

[Terri Braud]

Do these steps in order:

Take the total cost of your supplies + total hours salary average, for set period (usually use 6 months), and then divide by the number of blocks for a cost per block  (ie. 0.80/block)
Do  the same for slides to arrive at a cost per slide.  (ie. 1.25/stained slide)
Calculate the average costs of a block and slide by taking the average (cost of block + cost of slide, then divide by 2 = average cost per block/slide
Calculate the range of blocks per surg  level during that same time period  (ie. Lev V ranges from lowest 1blk, to highest 15blks)
Calculate the range of test cost per surg level by (lowest block # X average cost per block/slide) = lowest cost, bottom of range
Calculate the range of test cost per surg level by (highest block # X average cost per block/slide) = highest cost, top of range
Show the math.  Give them the range and average for each level.

Add a paragraph explaining added costs of reference lab work, special stains, and other charges (CPT codes) that could be incurred in order to report out a case.
Sometimes it is very difficult for administrators to understand how one CPT code may cost $5.80 or $25.00 depending on varying factors such as source of specimen or pathologist, and what is average for you, may not be average for another lab with different pathologists or cutting protocols.
Keep it short and sweet!
Terri

Terri L. Braud, HT(ASCP)
Anatomic Pathology Supervisor
Laboratory
Holy Redeemer Hospital
1648 Huntingdon Pike
Meadowbrook, PA 19046
ph: 215-938-3689
fax: 215-938-3874