in the  healthcare industry, accounting plays a crucial role in financial management. There are two distinct categories of accounting functions, namely financial accounting and managerial accounting. The financial accounting function is responsible for creating and presenting financial reports, such as income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements, for external stakeholders. On the other hand, managerial accounting, on the other hand, provides information to internal stakeholders, such as managers and decision-makers, to assist in the planning, controlling, and evaluating of operations.

         According to Ogunbodede et al. (2020), accounting functions play a significant role in operational oversight within the healthcare industry. They allow for the monitoring of financial resources, which enables healthcare organizations to allocate resources effectively and efficiently. Financial accounting provides a picture of the organization’s financial health, while managerial accounting allows for internal decision-making and the identification of areas where cost savings can be achieved.

         The healthcare industry has unique features that affect its financial management. One such feature is the complexity of healthcare services and the associated costs. According to Al-Ali and Haddad (2019), effectivefinancial management in the healthcare industry necessitates a comprehensive comprehension of the cost framework of healthcare services to assign resources competently.

Additionally, the healthcare industry has a unique payment structure, with different types of payers and reimbursement mechanisms, including public and private insurance and out-of-pocket payments. The complex payment structure requires careful financial planning to ensure the organization’s financial stability.

         Another unique feature of the healthcare industry is the regulatory environment, which includes various laws and regulations that govern healthcare services’ provision and financing. As a result, healthcare organizations need to stay up to date with regulatory changes that can affect their financial management.

References:

Al-Ali, A. R., & Haddad, S. S. (2019). Financial management in the healthcare industry: A systematic review. International Journal of Healthcare Management, 12(2), 124-138.

Ogunbodede, E. O., Adeyemo, D. A., Adeyemo, T. A., & Fadare, J. O. (2020). Accounting functions, financial management practices and organisational performance: A study of selected hospitals in Osun state, Nigeria. Journal of Financial Reporting and Accounting, 18(1), 86-102

This is was question 

Unique Aspects of Health Services & Financial Management

There are a number of unique factors relating to the health services sector:

Compare the two types of accounting functions.

Describe how the accounting functions affect operational oversight.

How do these unique features affect the financial management of the sector?