Analysis of Camp Pendleton California Medical Treatment Facility budget and execution process

Abstract

This research project evaluates the budgeting and execution process of Camp Pendleton Medical Treatment Facility (MTF) and how the proposed prospective payment system (PPS) impacts the traditional way of funding MTFs. The research analyzes the budgetary policies and practices of MTF, how the MTF fits in the overall budgeting process of the Navy via Bureau of Medicine and Surgery (BUMED), how the MTF formulate and execute budgets, how to validate increase in departmental budget request, what are the budgetary responsibilities of Comptroller and major stakeholders (i.e. MTF Department Heads, Branch Medical Clinic Officer in Charge, OPTAR Holders), and what internal controls are in place to monitor obligation and execution of funds. BUMED is currently in the state of changing the methods it employs in funding MTFs to efficiently control the ever increasing cost of health care and be able to support its mission and align Defense Health Program (DHP) with the Department of Defense's budget which is facing budgetary constraints. Assistant Secretary of Defense Health Affairs plans to implement the PPS which is similar to a performance based budgeting process that focuses on value rather than cost of health care. The research also evaluates how the MTF prepares for the transition into the new budgeting process.