Cost allocation is the method of identifying and assigning costs to the site at which they are incurred. Each branch/location of a medical practice is considered a ‘cost center’ and multi-site medical practices can have varying costs based on the location and services offered at a particular site. For example, sites that house administration will have lower costs than sites that house laboratories or operating rooms. Cost allocation is very beneficial in the management of a multi-site medical practice.
There are several good reasons that allocating costs is important to a multi-site medical practice. When costs are assigned correctly, the types of costs at each location can easily be analyzed, which is very important in the budgeting process. With a budget that is based on accurate cost allocation it is possible not only to see expense overages quickly, but also to correct expense overages quickly. Keeping track of expenses is essential for internal planning.