title: Combining DRGs and per diem payments in the private sector: the Equitable Payment Model.
abstract: The many types of payment models used in the Australian private sector are reviewed. Their features are compared and contrasted to those desirable in an optimal private sector payment model. The EPM(TM) (Equitable Payment Model) is discussed and its consistency with the desirable features of an optimal private sector payment model outlined. These include being based on a robust classification system, nationally benchmarked length of stay (LOS) results, nationally benchmarked relative cost and encouraging continual improvement in efficiency to the benefit of both health funds and private hospitals. The advantages in the context of the private sector of EPM(TM) being a per diem model, albeit very different to current per diem models, are discussed. The advantages of EPM(TM) for hospitals and health funds are outlined.
authors.affiliation: Australian Health Service Alliance, 979 Burke Road, Camberwell, VIC 3124, Australia. brian@ahsa.com.au
authors.forename: Brian W T
authors.initials: BW
authors.lastname: Hanning
mesh_terms: D000208:Acute Disease / Q000145:classification / Q000191:economics; D001315:Australia; D019985:Benchmarking; D003361:Cost Allocation / Q000379:methods; D003953:Diagnosis-Related Groups / Q000145:classification / Q000191:economics*; D017721:Hospital Costs / Q000145:classification; D016304:Hospitals, Private / Q000191:economics* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D007350:Insurance, Hospitalization; D007902:Length of Stay / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D017059:Models, Econometric; D011445:Prospective Payment System; D011907:Rate Setting and Review; D012051:Reimbursement Mechanisms; D012052:Reimbursement, Incentive