HSM 4541/6541

About This Course

General principles and applications of health care finance. The student will gain operational knowledge of health care financial management, including planning and budgeting, reimbursement, capital investment, cost and risk analysis for business growth and sustainability in an ever-changing and competitive health care environment. Overview of health care legislation, governmental policies, procedures, and ethical issues controlling the health care financial industry.

Prereqs: Basic accounting knowledge. A course such as ACCT 2050, and knowledge of Microsoft Excel are strongly recommended. HSM students should wait for major status to take this course.

Sample textbook: Gapenski’s Fundamentals of Healthcare Finance, Kristin Reiter & Paula Song; Third edition, 2018.

Instructors

Steven Chies
Steven Chies

"What I recommend students have is skills in spreadsheets, an essential skill for both the financial management course and employment in healthcare."

Mr. Chies most recently served as senior vice president of operations for the Benedictine Health System. He is a former aide to a US congressman and has held numerous leadership positions in health care professional, trade, and advocacy organizations, with a particular engagement in the advancement of long-term care administration and excellence. He is an AHCA Baldrige Examiner. Mr. Chies has also taught courses in health care administration. His student-centered learning approach combines a practical understanding of the health care delivery system with high expectations for academic coursework.

Mr. Chies holds an MS in health care administration from St. Joseph’s College in Standish, ME and a BES from the University of Minnesota. He teaches: 

  • HSM 4541 – Health Care Finance
Daniel Trajano
Daniel Trajano

Dr. Daniel (Dan) Trajano is the president of Pop Health Consulting LLC. He has over 25 years of experience as a physician and executive leader in family and geriatric medicine, health care system transformation, value-based payment, accountable care, policy, equity, and social justice. His previous positions include VP and senior medical director for population health and quality at Blue Cross Blue Shield Minnesota, Medica, HealthEast, and Park Nicollet. Dr. Trajano is also an adjunct professor of health care economics at the University of St. Thomas Opus College of Business. He serves on the board of directors for MNsure and the Philippine Medical Association.

Dr. Trajano has an MD from the University of Minnesota; an MBA from the University of St. Thomas; and a BA in biology and secondary education from Carleton College. He teaches:

  • HSM 4541 – Health Care Finance

Information Subject to Change

Course details, syllabus, and instructor are subject to change. Current course details can be found by clicking on the Term link(s) above.