Operating analysis uses benchmarking in the same way as financial statement analysis.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Sometimes
• D. Not specified

Answer: (B)

Benchmarking in operating analysis focuses on how efficiently and effectively care is delivered—metrics like patient volume, length of stay, bed occupancy, and resource use. The goal is to identify operational gaps and opportunities to improve patient flow and productivity, using benchmarks from peer institutions or best-practice standards for these non-financial measures.

In contrast, financial statement analysis uses benchmarking to assess financial health—ratios and indicators such as profitability, liquidity, and solvency derived from the income statement and balance sheet. The comparisons are financial in nature and aim to evaluate financial performance and risk, often adjusting for payer mix or inflation.

So while both areas use benchmarking, they do so for different purposes and with different data, meaning they aren’t used in the same way.