What is the largest expense item in the Patient Access budget?

Salaries represent the largest expense item in the Patient Access budget because they account for the compensation of the personnel involved in the patient access services, which include receptionists, registrars, and other administrative staff. These employees are critical to the smooth operation of healthcare facilities, as they handle patient registration, insurance verification, and scheduling, among other essential functions. The costs associated with salaries generally far exceed expenditures on equipment, office supplies, or training programs, which, while important, do not constitute the same level of financial commitment in most healthcare settings. By prioritizing the budget for salaries, healthcare organizations ensure they have trained and effective personnel to manage patient interactions, thus enabling effective access to healthcare services.