Final answer:
To determine if the use of the contracted diabetic educator is cost effective in the office, we can calculate the loss/gain ratio using the expenses and revenue. The formula is (Total Expenses - Total Revenue) / Total Revenue. In this case, the loss/gain ratio is -0.725, indicating a loss of 72.5%. Therefore, the use of the educator is not cost-effective.
Step-by-step explanation:
To calculate loss or gain in this situation, we can use the ratio formula of expenses to revenue. The formula is:
Loss/Gain Ratio = (Total Expenses - Total Revenue) / Total Revenue
In this case, the total expenses include the rental cost of the office space ($100), electricity and internet service ($50), and office supplies ($15), which amounts to $165. The total revenue is the number of patients taught by the educator (20) multiplied by the billing rate per patient ($30), which is $600. Using the formula, the loss/gain ratio would be:
(165 - 600) / 600 = -435/600 = -0.725
The negative value of the ratio indicates a loss, in this case, a loss of 72.5%. This means that the use of the contracted diabetic educator in the office is not cost-effective, resulting in a significant loss.