[Analysis of the DRG rate system in cardiology. Results of a comparative study of diverse regions].
Following the introduction of the reimbursement system for services, the use of a different rate system can have a singularly negative effect on the actual clinical activity. A discipline such as cardiology can be particularly exposed to the eventual variation in rates, and we feel it is necessary to introduce appropriate systems of analysis to deal with this problem. In the present study we carried out an analysis of the rate parameters adopted in Italy, by the Ministry and by two Regions: Lombardia and the Marche. The study took into account only the DRGs of cardiological diseases. We found that regional rates differed greatly according to the evaluation given to some diagnostic groups, inevitably determining the under valuation of the clinical complexity of some cases with the risk of a financial squeeze of certain structures. Variations in the composition of rate lists can also lead to distorted behaviour when selecting cases on condition of the quality of services given. The comparison of rates between the Marche and Lombardia regions showed a great difference in the number of subjects hospitalised for critical pathologies and stable ones, putting the wards in the Marche region in potential difficulty as their activity is aimed at more intensive and emergency therapy. The present study aims at underlining these problems, identifying the most evident inconsistencies and opening a debate on the subject.
Brizioli
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Direzione Scientifica, INRCA, IRCCS, Ancona.
Antonicelli
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R
Paciaroni
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D003953:Diagnosis-Related Groups / Q000191:economics; D006331:Heart Diseases / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007558:Italy