Certified Nurse Manager and Leader (CNML) Practice Test

What is represented by the Cost Per Unit of Service (CPUOS) formula?

1. Salaries divided by total patients treated

2. Salaries divided by unit of service

3. Operational costs divided by revenue

4. Costs of supplies divided by total patients

The correct answer is: Salaries divided by unit of service

The Cost Per Unit of Service (CPUOS) formula is represented by the calculation of salaries divided by the unit of service. This metric provides insight into the cost associated with delivering each service or treatment unit in a healthcare setting, allowing managers to gauge the efficiency and financial performance of their services. Using salaries in this context highlights the direct labor costs tied to each unit of service provided. By incorporating this factor, healthcare managers can assess how effectively they are utilizing their workforce in relation to the services rendered. This approach is crucial for budget management and financial planning within healthcare organizations. In contrast, other options calculate costs using different parameters that do not specifically measure the cost per service unit. For instance, operational costs divided by revenue may indicate financial sustainability but does not directly connect to the cost of delivering a single unit of service. Similarly, salaries divided by total patients treated would yield a different measure, emphasizing the average labor cost per patient rather than per service unit. Lastly, costs of supplies divided by total patients focuses on the supply expenditure rather than labor, which is also an essential metric but doesn't answer the question concerning CPUOS as it relates to service provision costs.