Expanding technologies and responsibilities for respiratory care medical directors and practitioners.

Abstract

An awareness of current economic factors is necessary for respiratory care medical directors and practitioners to understand their important new responsibilities. These include accurate documentation and cost analysis of every departmental activity so that clinical and fiscal considerations can be properly balanced. All procedures and purchases should be evaluated in light of medical necessity and cost. In this way, respiratory care can be provided in a manner that both maximizes patient care and reduces hospital costs.