Time unit system of fee setting

An efficient, accurate, and simple method was developed to determine charges for physical therapy services. Based on cost accounting, the charges were developed from the direct and indirect costs of operating the department. Methods to determine operating costs are outlined and the process used to establish a time unit system is presented. The charges to the patient were developed to reflect accurately the patient's use of resources in terms of time, supplies, and share of indirect costs. A differentiation was made between direct treatment time when the patient is in actual contact with a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant and nondirect time when the patient is practicing a skill on his own. Although developed for a medical center teaching hospital, this system can be adapted to any type of facility.