Journal of the Chinese Medical Association : JCMA
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Comparative Study
Effects of diagnosis-related group payment on health-care provider behaviors: A consecutive three-period study.
This study aimed to evaluate the impact of diagnosis-related group (DRG) payments on health-care providers' behavior and the potential best course of action to make a profit under a DRG payment mechanism. ⋯ The introduction of DRG payment resulted in significantly reduced examination fee, slightly decreased medical costs without significant difference in several detailed items, a reduced number of GA cases without statistical significance, and more patients receiving additional operations. The possible solution to make a profit under the DRG payment scheme is to curtail the costs of radiological images and medication, lower GA percentage, perform fewer additional operations, and correct recording of complications or comorbidities.