Define "operating margin" in health care finance.

The definition of "operating margin" in health care finance is primarily concerned with the efficiency and profitability of ongoing operations. It indicates the percentage of profit a health care organization earns from its routine operations, after accounting for operating expenses.

This measure is crucial because it provides insights into how well the organization is managing its resources and operating expenses relative to the revenue generated from its core business functions, such as patient care and services. A higher operating margin indicates a more profitable organization, while a lower margin may suggest operational challenges or inefficiencies.

By focusing on profit from operations, this metric excludes revenues from investments or other non-operational activities, allowing stakeholders to assess the organization's operational performance specifically.