Target costing in hospital services: a study from a strategic cost management focus

Abstract

In this paper, the authors verified the practicability of applying Target Costing to hospital services. The caesarian section was selected as the research product for testing, carried out in patients hospitalized in a standard room, using a health insurance. To achieve the research aims, the single case study method was used, and also several data sources, such as: bibliographic survey, application of questionnaire, interviews, direct observation of processes and activities, and analysis and interpretation of accounting, financial and administrative reports from the hospital entity chosen for this study. The questionnaire was applied to a group of 50 (fifty) women in order to verify their perception concerning the degree of importance they attach to each main characteristic of the test product. The interviews, performed with the main entity directors, aimed to verify how the prices and margins are established. The documental analysis, carried out in cost spreadsheets, balance sheets and other accounting, financial and administrative reports, contributed to get to know the procedures adopted by the entity to measure and control its costs and revenue. The results demonstrated that the Target Costing process can successfully be applied to hospital entities.