Analysis of organizational strengths and weaknesses related to trends in the marketplace and identification opportunities and methodologies for refinement and enhancement of a competitive position. A situational audit is a valuable tool to be used when looking at any major adjustments or changes to the service line, capital investments or re-engineering project.

The situational audit focuses on a single hospital, health care system or unit related to:

• Regulatory compliance
• Financial structuring based on TEFRA
• Case mix identification
• Payor mix
• Staffing mix and reporting relationships.
• Quantitative analysis of programs related to strengths, vulnerabilities, image and competitive positioning.
• Identification of opportunities for enhancing market penetration.
• Identifying areas for program and operational refinement or expansion, including an assessment of organizational administrative structure related to efficiency of operations, care delivery and continuum utilization.
• Conduct and analysis determining both the cost/benefit of care delivery and projection of revenue/expense ratios.
• Report optimal integration as a key venue along the system's continuum of care.

Murer Consultants has written and presented on this and other financial topics.