DRG benchmarking: analysis of service structures and -differences in dermatology departments.

Background: In the context of DRG-based hospital funding, the analysis of services provided in dermatologic inpatient care is highly relevant. We analyzed and compared clinical service structures and varieties in dermatologic hospitals through a benchmarking technique.

Methods: For this multicenter cross-sectional study, routine data from 46 German dermatologic clinics and departments were collected, processed, and analyzed.

[DRGs in dermatology: quality of coding and the effects of case mix].

Background: High-quality coding of patient clinical data is mandatory for an effective DRG classification to result in adequate allocation of funding for inpatient treatment. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of controlled documentation on patient clinical data and to ascertain the outcome of calculated DRG-based yields depending on higher coding quality of patient treatment.

Patients And Methods: In a prospective study, 1914 patient clinical records from the Department of Dermatology, University of Muenster, were captured using different documentation standards and the data was analysed.

[G-DRG Version 2004: changes in view of dermatology].

In the year 2004 the obligatory introduction of the new hospital funding system based on a Diagnosis Related Groups (DRG) system will become reality for all German hospitals. After all fundamental items of the new G-DRG version were made generally known, the possible consequences had to be considered. The first mandatory German case-based lump sum catalogue differs importantly from the previous payment models and requires intensive study.

The diagnosis related groups enhanced electronic medical record.

Problem: The introduction of Diagnosis Related Groups as a basis for hospital payment in Germany announced essential changes in the hospital reimbursement practice. A hospital's economical survival will depend vitally on the accuracy and completeness of the documentation of DRG relevant data like diagnosis and procedure codes. In order to enhance physicians' coding compliance, an easy-to-use interface integrating coding tasks seamlessly into clinical routine had to be developed.