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The Radax Eye and Dental Services Business Case Paper

The Radax Eye and Dental Services Business Case Paper

The Radax Eye and Dental Services Business Case Paper

Develop a 4–7-page business case for the initiative you proposed. Examine feasibility and cost-benefit considerations over a 5-year period, analyze ways to mitigate risks, and complete a cost-benefit analysis.

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Continuation of prior paper

Proposal of New Health Care Economic Opportunity: The Radax Eye and Dental Services

Develop a 4–7-page business case for the initiative you proposed. Examine feasibility and cost-benefit considerations over a 5-year period, analyze ways to mitigate risks, and complete a cost-benefit analysis.

Develop a business case for the economic initiative you proposed in Assessment 1. Examine the feasibility and cost-benefit considerations of implementing your proposed initiative over the next five years. Analyze ways to mitigate risks and complete a cost-benefit analysis. The Radax Eye and Dental Services Business Case Paper

Requirements

The requirements for your business case, outlined below, correspond to the scoring guide criteria, so be sure to address each main point. Read the performance-level descriptions for each criterion to see how your work will be assessed. In addition, be sure to note the requirements for document format and length and for supporting evidence.

  • Analyze the potential economic opportunities and risks associated with your proposed initiative.
    • How do the potential opportunities benefit your organization or care setting?
    • How could potential risks pose a threat to the financial security of your organization or care setting?
    • How do the potential economic opportunities compare to the potential economic risks?
  • Propose ethical and culturally sensitive solutions that address the risks associated with your initiative to the future economic security of your organization or care setting.
    • Which risks are potentially the most significant for your organization or care setting?
      • How could you modify your proposed initiative to mitigate those risks?
      • How have other organizations and experts in the field dealt with similar risks?
    • How do ethics and equality factor into your proposed solutions?
      • Are your solutions unfairly burdening or disadvantaging any specific groups?
    • How will this proposal affect community health care delivery outcomes?
      • What makes this a great opportunity for economic growth?
      • What potential issues should be considered?
  • Analyze the economic costs and benefits of your proposed initiative over a five-year period.
    • Use the Cost-Benefit Analysis Template [XLSX] for your calculations. Add the worksheet to your business case as an appendix.
    • Does your analysis warn against specific aspects of your proposed initiative?
    • How would you recommend that your findings be incorporated into decisions about the feasibility of your proposed initiative?
  • Propose ethical and culturally equitable ways of keeping costs under control, while maximizing the benefits of your initiative.
    • What costs are you most likely to be able to control or reduce?
      • How would you go about ensuring this?
    • How could controlling or reducing these costs affect the benefits of your proposed initiative?
      • What strategies could you employ to maintain or maximize these benefits, while controlling or reducing costs?
    • How do you plan to ensure that any cost controls or benefit reductions are ethical and equitable?
  • Justify the relevance and significance of the quantitative and qualitative economic, financial, and scholarly evidence you used to support your business case.
    • This criterion applies to any evidence you cited throughout your business case. Your evidence should be persuasive and relevant to your findings, proposals, and recommendations. Consider one or more of the following questions when citing support evidence:
      • How is the evidence relevant to your organization or care setting?
      • How is the evidence relevant to your proposed economic initiative?
      • How does the evidence illustrate a solution that has been successful in the past?
      • How does the evidence illustrate that an initiative or solution is likely to be a net benefit to the organization or care setting?

Cost-Benefit Analysis

The following presentation from the CDC’s series on economic evaluation addresses methods to assess programmatic costs. The Radax Eye and Dental Services Business Case Paper

  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Part IV: Benefit-cost analysis [PDF]. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/dhdsp/programs/spha/economic_evaluation/docs/podcast_iv.pdf

The following blog post addresses how to effectively write an accurate and thorough cost-benefit analysis.

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Cost Effectiveness and Economic Evaluation

The following presentation from the CDC’s series on economic evaluation addresses methods to assess programmatic costs.

The following presentation from the CDC’s series on economic evaluation addresses cost-effectiveness analysis.

The following three articles illustrate examples of how to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of new service lines, therapies, or treatment initiatives in different settings.

The following article provides a systematic review suggests that local and national public health interventions are highly cost-saving.

The following article addresses how economic evaluation helps to identify, measure, and compare activities with the necessary impact, scalability, and sustainability to optimize population health.

The following article addresses the significance of the leadership role for problem solving relative to the economic decision-making process. Decision making is multifaceted and inclusive of the factors surrounding the change process, such as data collection, trial and error, and collaboration.

The following article addresses the how and why behind the concept of spending efficiently in health care organizations. It provides an example of efficient spending and what outcomes can be realized.

The following article provides a real-life example of comparing the costs of treatment strategies and reveals all the elements of what is most important to consider from a fiscal management perspective.

Developing a Business Case Scoring Guide

CRITERIA NON-PERFORMANCE BASIC PROFICIENT DISTINGUISHED
Analyze the potential economic opportunities and risks associated with a proposed initiative. Does not describe potential economic opportunities and risks associated with a proposed initiative. Identifies potential economic opportunities and risks associated with a proposed initiative. Analyzes the potential economic opportunities and risks associated with a proposed initiative. Analyzes the potential economic opportunities and risks associated with a proposed initiative. Draws sound conclusions based on an astute comparison of clearly articulated risks and benefits. Reconciles conflicting data.
Propose ethical and culturally sensitive solutions that address the risks associated with an initiative to the future economic security of the organization or care setting. Does not propose solutions that address the risks associated with an initiative to the future economic security of the organization or care setting. Proposes solutions that address the risks associated with an initiative to the future economic security of the organization or care setting. Proposes ethical and culturally sensitive solutions that address the risks associated with an initiative to the future economic security of the organization or care setting. Proposes ethical and culturally sensitive solutions that address the risks associated with an initiative to the future economic security of the organization or care setting. Justifies proposed solutions and articulates underlying assumptions.
Analyze the economic costs and benefits of a proposed initiative over a five-year period. Does not describe the economic costs and benefits of a proposed initiative over a five-year period.  The Radax Eye and Dental Services Business Case Paper Identifies the economic costs and benefits of a proposed initiative over a five-year period. Analyzes the economic costs and benefits of a proposed initiative over a five-year period. Analyzes the economic costs and benefits of a proposed initiative over a five-year period. Impartially examines potential negative implications or consequences of the initiative and provides clear, justifiable recommendations for using analysis findings in deciding on the feasibility of the initiative.
Propose ethical and culturally equitable ways of keeping costs under control, while maximizing the benefits of an initiative. Does not propose ways of keeping costs under control, while maximizing the benefits of an initiative. Proposes ways of keeping costs under control, while maximizing the benefits of an initiative. Proposes ethical and culturally equitable ways of keeping costs under control, while maximizing the benefits of an initiative. The Radax Eye and Dental Services Business Case Paper Proposes ethical and culturally equitable ways of keeping costs under control, while maximizing the benefits of an initiative. Clearly articulates trade-offs underlying fully justified and effective strategies to control or reduce costs, mitigate risk, and maximize benefits.
Justify the relevance and significance of the quantitative and qualitative economic, financial, and scholarly evidence used to support a business case. Does not describe the quantitative and qualitative economic, financial, and scholarly evidence used to support a business case. Describes the quantitative and qualitative economic, financial, and scholarly evidence used to support a business case. Justifies the relevance and significance of the quantitative and qualitative economic, financial, and scholarly evidence used to support a business case. Justifies the relevance and significance of the quantitative and qualitative economic, financial, and scholarly evidence used to support a business case. Presents a persuasive argument strengthened by explicit evaluation criteria and a perceptive interpretation and synthesis of the evidence.
Write concisely and directly using active voice. Does not write concisely and directly using active voice. Writes passively, with a tendency toward wordiness. Writes concisely and directly using active voice. Writes concisely and directly. Conveys precise and unequivocal meaning through clear and consistent use of active voice.
Apply APA formatting to in-text citations and references. Does not apply APA formatting to in-text citations and references. The Radax Eye and Dental Services Business Case Paper Applies APA formatting to in-text citations and references incorrectly and/or inconsistently, detracting noticeably from good scholarship. Applies APA formatting to in-text citations and references. Exhibits strict and nearly flawless adherence to APA formatting of in-text citations and references.

Example Approach

Whilborne Medical Center (WMC) is a multispecialty health care facility situated in proximity to an industrial park. Its management is planning to start a new economic initiative in the form of an urgent care center (UCC) within WMC’s premises. The UCC will not only help provide quality health care to the community but also provide an additional revenue stream for WMC. The objective of this business case is to present a detailed report on the feasibility and cost–benefit considerations of implementing the proposed economic initiative over the next five years. The business case includes an evaluation of various risks and opportunities associated with the new initiative. It recommends ways to lessen the risks associated with setting up the UCC and strategies for controlling costs and maximizing benefits.

Opportunities Associated With the Proposed Economic Initiative

An economic and environmental analysis was performed to determine the opportunities and risks associated with the UCC. WMC is situated near Maxima Industrial Park. Most of the patients treated at WMC are among the 30,000 workers from different companies in the industrial park. Additionally, the area has around 3,000 locals. The UCC may cater to the nonemergent needs of both the workers from the park and the locals in the area.

UCCs present an opportunity to reduce overcrowding in the ED at WMC. Often, EDs have to tend to patients whose cases are urgent, but do not merit the emergent care that EDs provide (Qin, Prybutok, Prybutok, & Wang, 2015). Non-emergent cases can be diverted to the UCC, where health care personnel will be able to treat workers of the industrial park who walk in with work-related injuries or for preventive care. Additionally, any urgent health care needs of the local community may be met by the UCC. The ED will be able to exclusively tend to the more emergent cases, while the UCC will exclusively tend to the urgent care cases received by WMC. Thus, an additional revenue stream for WMC will be created with the addition of the UCC. The Radax Eye and Dental Services Business Case Paper

Additionally, UCCs must serve a high number of patients to break even (Yee, Lechner, & Boukus, 2013). Therefore, location near a target patient population is an important factor in the success of a UCC (Gurganious & Greenfield, 2015). The required target population for the UCC is found in the 30,000 workers employed at Maxima Industrial Park. WMC has developed a relationship with workers from the park through the annual health checkups it organizes. The UCC can benefit from this relationship as there is a high likelihood that employees who are satisfied with the care they received at WMC will return to the UCC for urgent care issues.

A competitor analysis conducted in the area shows that there are two primary health clinics, but no UCCs in WMC’s vicinity. Most patients prefer primary health clinics over UCCs and EDs (Qin et al., 2015). This issue is mitigated by the number of work hours that EDs and UCCs have over primary health clinics. With the introduction of a UCC, patients will be able to avail after-hours health care for minor illnesses on any day of the week at lower costs compared to primary health clinics (Chang, Brundage, & Chokshi, 2015). Also, as patients can go to a UCC without an appointment (unlike a primary health clinic), they will find the UCC more accessible for treating minor illnesses (Yakobi, 2017). These advantages over its competitors will help WMC capture a significant market share in the urgent care segment.

Risks Associated With the Economic Initiative and Ways to Address Them

The potential risks associated with the setting up of a UCC were identified. It was observed during the competitor analysis that a retail health clinic inside a Walmart store situated near WMC could pose a threat to the UCC. Retail health clinics are walk-in clinics located inside grocery stores or supermarkets. They mainly provide convenient care to retail store customers suffering from minor illnesses. Like UCCs, many retail health clinics offer after-hours care and easy accessibility without an appointment; at the same time, the health care cost at these clinics is less than it is at UCCs (Chang et al., 2015). Therefore, the presence of the retail health clinic puts the financial security of the UCC at risk as it might appear more attractive to patients in need of urgent care.

A UCC is equipped to handle a wider number of ailments than a retail health clinic (Chang et al., 2015). Being affiliated with WMC, the UCC can provide its patients access to more facilities such as scans and tests that are not provided by retail health clinics and other UCCs. These factors set the UCC at WMC apart from its competitors and can be used to promote the clinic. Clients will consider the UCC a convenient and viable option for their healthcare, where multiple tests can be done if needed. Additionally, the UCC must also ensure that the focus of the clinic is on providing a convenient and satisfactory experience for the patient (Gurganious & Greenfield, 2015). If patients receive quick and timely care from excellent service providers, they will be encouraged to visit again and refer new patients to the UCC.  

UCCs are known for providing immediate care to many patients in a relatively short time (Yakobi, 2017). The staff and management of the UCC will have to be aware that the highvolume, speedy health care delivery environment leaves room for errors such as misdiagnoses. These errors can result in the UCC and its staff facing serious legal risks. Therefore, it is important for the UCC to maintain meticulous documentation to insulate itself from the consequences of misdiagnoses or medical malpractice. The symptoms, physical observations, and lab results which are used to develop a plan to administer care should be identified to ensure that the plan has clarity and is logical (“Why good documentation matters”, 2016). It is also binding on UCC physicians to set patients’ expectations by communicating with them effectively about the nature of services provided (“Helping patients make informed decisions”, 2014). These measures ensure that, despite the difficulties resulting from high demand, both patients and health care practitioners are mindful of the treatment that is administered. The Radax Eye and Dental Services Business Case Paper

Cost–Benefit Analysis of the Proposed Economic Initiative

After considering the opportunities and risks involved, the costs and benefits of setting up a UCC are analyzed. To assess the economic feasibility of setting up a UCC, the present value of the estimated costs and benefits and the net benefit over a 5-year time horizon are calculated using a present value discount rate of 11%. The present value discount rate has been determined based on the standard cost of capital and the estimated target returns. The estimated capital cost includes minor construction costs and the cost of purchasing furniture and equipment. These are conservatively projected to be $350,000 in the current year (Golinkin & Danielle, 2013). The estimated operating costs comprise expenditure on salaries paid to the staff; basic utilities such as electricity, gas, and the Internet; insurance (including insurance for staff, business liability, building, furniture, and equipment); and other operating expenses such as administrative and marketing costs.

On an average, most UCCs have two full-time (or part-time) physicians, two nurse practitioners, and three medical assistants or other clinical staff (Weinick, Bristol, & DesRoches, 2009). It is assumed that two physicians, two nurse practitioners, three medical assistants, and a medical receptionist will be recruited by the UCC. Based on the national average recruitment incentives, staff salaries (per annum) in the first year of operation are assumed to be around $232,000 for a full-time physician, $112,000 for a nurse practitioner, $35,000 for a medical assistant, and $32,000 for a receptionist (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2017). The actual growth rate of an employee’s salary in the U.S. is 2.7% per annum (Economic Policy Institute, 2018). For this analysis, salaries of the employees of the UCC are assumed to increase at a conservative rate of 3% per annum. Additional costs will be incurred in years four and five to hire a full-time nurse practitioner (year four) and a full-time physician (year five) to cater to the increased number of patients.

The cost of basic utilities is assumed to increase by around 5% per annum, as utilization of basic utilities will increase owing to an increase in patient volume. Considering that new staff will be hired in the fourth and fifth years of operation, insurance costs are assumed to increase in these 2 years owing to addition of staff. Other operating costs are assumed to be around 12% of annual revenue based on WMC’s financial statements. As per the cost–benefit analysis, the present value of the total costs over the 5-year period is estimated at $5,489,745.62, using a present value discount rate of 11% (see Appendix for more information on cost–benefit analysis over a 5-year period).

Benefit (revenue) was calculated based on the fee collected from each patient and the number of patients expected to make use of the medical services at the UCC. Most clinics tend to the needs of an average of around 357 patients every week and charge an average fee of approximately $156 per patient visit (AMN Healthcare, 2015; Yakobi, 2017). Therefore, the estimated revenue earned during the first year of operations will be $2,730,000. It is also assumed that the revenue will increase by 5.3% per annum over the 5-year period based on the national average (“Urgent Care Center Market”, 2018). Based on the estimated revenue over the 5-year period and the 11% present value discount rate, the present value of total benefits is estimated at $11,037,800.03 (see Appendix for more information on cost–benefit analysis over a 5-year period). The net benefit, calculated by subtracting the present value of total benefits from the present value of total costs, is estimated at $5,548,054.41 over a 5-year period (see Appendix for more information on cost–benefit analysis over a 5-year period). Based on the positive net benefit, it can be concluded that this initiative will be an economically viable one. The Radax Eye and Dental Services Business Case Paper

It should be noted that, although the cost–benefit analysis suggests that setting up a UCC is a viable option, some knowledge gaps and unknowns are bound to be present. The impact of nonmonetary costs, such as the time and effort spent on marketing and ensuring a good patient experience, has not been considered in the analysis. Nonmonetary costs can have an effect on the patient volume and that, in turn, can affect the net benefit. An increase in capital and operating costs due to some unexpected developments or unforeseen expenses can affect the net benefit gained. The patient volume may also vary depending on unpredictable factors such as the health care market environment. All these factors can have a significant impact on the result of the cost–benefit analysis.

Ways to Control Costs and Maximize Benefits

It is essential for the senior management to regularly implement methods to control costs and monitor the financial position of the UCC. Overhead costs that are not directly related to providing health care services make up a large portion of the total costs of the UCC. Overhead costs include expenditure on building maintenance, repairs, insurance, basic utilities, and supplies. The UCC will keep a check on building maintenance costs by undertaking maintenance checks on a regular basis. To avoid significant repair costs, the staff will ensure that equipment is handled with care and maintained in good condition. By reviewing the usage of electricity, gas, water, phone, and the Internet on an annual basis, the UCC will also control basic utility expenses. Low-cost plans, based on the UCC’s requirements, will be chosen to control expenses on phone and Internet services. To avoid wastage of supplies, the staff will be encouraged to use office supplies with discretion. Impractical cost control measures might adversely affect staff morale and performance. Therefore, care will be taken to ensure that all the measures undertaken are relevant, ethical, and culturally equitable.

Along with keeping a check on the costs, efforts will be made to maximize the benefits. A potential means of increasing the benefits of the UCC is sending automated health reminders to regular clients. This will help ensure a regular inflow of clients. Providing consistently good Comment [A3]: Good strategy. service to all patients will encourage them to come back to the UCC whenever they need immediate medical attention. This will also help build strong patient trust and loyalty. Also, understanding what motivates patients and their views about health care will help the UCC staff to customize care and thus increase patient satisfaction and inflow (Qin et al., 2017). Therefore, ensuring optimal utilization of resources and providing quality care will help the UCC maintain its financial stability.

Conclusion

The UCC will cater to the urgent care needs of the community by providing quick, affordable, and convenient health care services. The center’s proximity to the industrial area will benefit workers who might require urgent care or want to get preventive health checkups done as part of their employment requirements. Thus, the UCC will be able to generate an additional revenue stream and contribute to the economic growth of WMC. Moreover, the cost–benefit suggests that setting up the UCC will be an economically viable initiative. Ethical solutions such as careful documentation of the treatment process and full communication of the plan of care with the patient were recommended. These solutions, which reduce the risks associated with the setting up of the UCC, will also help safeguard the future of WMC.

References

AMN Healthcare. (2015). Convenient care: Growth and staffing trends in urgent care and retail medicine. Retrieved from https://amnhealthcare.com/uploadedFiles/MainSite/Content/Healthcare_Industry_Insights

/Industry_Research/AMN%2015%20W001_Convenient%20Care%20Whitepaper(1).pdf

Chang, J. E., Brundage, S. C., & Chokshi, D. A. (2015). Convenient ambulatory care—Promise, pitfalls, and policy. The New England Journal of Medicine, 373(4), 382–388. Retrieved from

http://library.capella.edu/login?qurl=https%3A%2F%2Fsearch.proquest.com%2Fdocvie w%2F1698429950%3Fac. The Radax Eye and Dental Services Business Case Paper

Economic Policy Institute. (2018). Nominal wage tracker. Retrieved from https://epi.org/nominal-wage-tracker/

Golinkin, W. F., & Danielle, B. (2013). The dollars and cents of running a clinic. In J. Riff, S. Ryan, & T. Hansen-Turton (Eds.), Convenient care clinics: The essential guide to retail clinics for clinicians, managers, and educators (pp. 179–186). Retrieved from https://ebookcentral-proquestcom.library.capella.edu/lib/capella/detail.action?docID=1188973.

Gurganious, V., & Greenfield, D. (2015). Starting an urgent care center 5 essentials for success. Medical Economics, 92(11), 47–48. Retrieved from

http://library.capella.edu/login?qurl=https%3A%2F%2Fsearch.proquest.com%2Fdocvie w%2F1696889732%3F

Helping patients make informed decisions. (2014, April). Retrieved from https://cmpaacpm.ca/en/advice-publications/browse-articles/2014/helping-patients-make-informeddecisions

Qin, H., Prybutok, G. L., Prybutok, V. R., & Wang, B. (2015). Quantitative comparisons of

urgent care service providers. International Journal of Health Care Quality Assurance, 28(6), 574–594. Retrieved from

http://library.capella.edu/login?qurl=https%3A%2F%2Fsearch.proquest.com%2Fdocvie w%2F1694933787%3Facco

Urgent Care Center Market by Service (Acute Illness Treatment, Trauma/Injury Treatment,

Physical Examination, Immunization & Vaccination), Ownership (Corporate Owned,

Physician Owned, Hospital Owned), and Region – Global Forecast to 2023. (2018, March). Retrieved from https://marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/urgent-carecenter-market-197843477.html

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2017). Occupational employment statistics [Data set]. Retrieved

from https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/naics4_621400.htm           Comment [A4]: The “www.” is retained as

the link does not open without adding it to the URL. Weinick, R. M., Bristol, S. J., & DesRoches, C. M. (2009). Urgent care centers in the U.S.:

Findings from a national survey. BMC Health Services Research, 9(79). http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/1472-6963-9-79

Why good documentation matters. (2016, October). Retrieved from https://cmpaacpm.ca/en/advice-publications/browse-articles/2011/why-good-documentation-matters

Yakobi, R. (2017). Impact of urgent care centers on emergency department visits. Health Care

Current Reviews, 5(3). http://dx.doi.org/10.4172/2375-4273.1000204

Yee, T., Lechner, A. E., & Boukus, E. R. (2013). The surge in urgent care centers: Emergency department alternative or costly convenience? Research Briefs. Retrieved from https://researchgate.net/profile/Tracy_Yee/publication/257202014_The_surge_in_urgent

_care_centers_emergency_department_alternative_or_costly_convenience/links/5750682 008aed9fa2bd2d531. The Radax Eye and Dental Services Business Case Paper

 

Appendix

Cost–Benefit Analysis Over a 5-Year Period

Costs Current Year (CY) ($) CY +1 ($) CY +2 ($) CY +3 ($) CY +4 ($) CY +5 ($) Total Costs ($)
Capital Costs              
  Construction 350,000.00            
  Furniture & Equipment            
Operating Costs              
  Staff Salaries   825,000.00 849,750.00 875,242.50 1,023,885.20 1,315,719.80  
  Basic Utilities   55,000.00 57,750.00 60,637.50 63,669.38 66,852.84  
  Insurance   15,000.00 15,000.00 15,000.00 20,000.00 25,000.00  
  Other Operating Costs   327,600.00 343,980.00 361,179.00 379,237.95 398,199.85  
               
Total Costs (Future

Value)

 350,000.00 1,222,600.00 1,266,480.00 1,312,059.00 1,486,792.52 1,805,772.49  
Total Costs (Present

Value)

 350,000.00 1,101,441.44 1,027,903.58 959,366.23 979,396.29 1,071,638.08 5,489,745.62
               
Benefits Current Year (CY) ($) CY +1 ($) CY +2 ($) CY +3 ($) CY +4 ($) CY +5 ($) Total Costs ($)
Increase in Revenue   2,730,000.00 2,866,500.00 3,009,825.00 3,160,316.25 3,318,332.06  
               
Total Benefits (Future

Value)

   2,730,000.00 2,866,500.00 3,009,825.00 3,160,316.25 3,318,332.06  
Total Benefits (Present

Value)

   2,459,459.46 2,326,515.70 2,200,758.10 2,081,798.20 1,969,268.57 11,037,800.03
               
Present Value

Discount Rate

0.11            
PV Denominator 1.00 1.11 1.23 1.37 1.52 1.69  
Net Benefit             5,548,054.41