Literature DB >> 10113699

Medicare short-stay hospital services by diagnosis-related groups.

V B Latta, C Helbing.   

Abstract

The 1983 amendments to the Social Security Act (Public Law 98-21) provided for a prospective payment system (PPS), effective October 1, 1983, for most short-stay hospitals certified to provide inpatient services to Medicare beneficiaries. A brief description of the assignment process for diagnosis-related groups (DRGs) is presented, because assigning a DRG code to a short-stay hospital discharge record is tantamount to the Medicare prospective payment to the hospital, subject to certain statutory adjustments. Shifts in the distribution of the discharges and average length of stay among the DRGs since 1983 reflect the adaptation of hospitals to the incentives embedded in PPS and the ongoing refinements in the methods of assigning DRGs to discharges from short-stay hospitals. Interpretation of the shifts is based on a consideration of the significant refinements in the medical coding system, the technological and scientific advances in the practice of medicine, the effect of shifting patient treatment to alternative sites, policy or legislative changes affecting Medicare coverage, and the annual recalibration of the DRG weights.

Entities:  

Mesh:

Year:  1991        PMID: 10113699      PMCID: PMC4193207     

Source DB:  PubMed          Journal:  Health Care Financ Rev        ISSN: 0195-8631


Introduction

In this article, we present Medicare data and selected highlights on diagnosis-related groups (DRGs) for Medicare beneficiaries discharged from short-stay hospitals during calendar years 1983, 1985, and 1988. The discussion of the data highlights changes in the number of discharges and average length of stay (ALOS) among the DRGs. The discussion underscores refinements in the methods of DRG assignment over the study period, as well as the incentives that are embedded in the prospective payment system (PPS) that was instituted based on DRGs. The most dramatic shifts in the DRG data appear, as would be expected, in the period 1983–85—the first 2 years of the Medicare PPS—and generally are considered to reflect responses to the introduction of the PPS: Among the cause of such shifts are the financial incentives inherent in PPS, the advantages of improved medical reporting and coding practices, and the shift of inpatient services to alternative outpatient treatment sites. Many of these specific DRG shifts were designed to affect program payments in ways that could either widen or lessen the distance between revenue and costs. The shifts that have taken place since 1985 reflect further refinements in medical coding, the coverage of formerly PPS-excluded hospitals and units, and advances in medical technology. For calendar years 1983, 1985, and 1988, the number of discharges, DRG rank order, and average total days of care per discharge are shown in Table 1. The DRG relative weights (fiscal years 1983, 1985, and 1988) and average program payments per discharge (1988 only) are shown in Table 2. The 1988 payment data in Table 2 should not be construed as providing definitive estimates of total program payments being made under PPS. The payment data are presented solely for comparing differences in the average amounts that Medicare paid for inpatient services among the different DRGs. The average program payments shown in Table 2 were calculated following the deletion of all records that showed a total of zero reimbursements; that is, only the records that show Medicare as the primary payer were included.
Table 1

Medicare short-stay hospital discharges and average length of stay, by diagnosis-related groups (DRGs) within major diagnostic categories (MDCs): Calendar years 1983, 1985, and 1988

DRG code within MDCsStatusDischargesRank orderAverage length of stay


NumberPercent changeNumber of daysPercent change





1983198519881983-881983-851985-881983198519881983198519881983-881983-851985-88
Total, all DRGs11,547,18510,334,63010,256,945−11.2−10.5−0.89.88.78.9−9.2−11.22.3
MDC 1—Diseases and disorders of the nervous system (DRGs 1-35)
Total (DRGs 1-35)864,225888,360818,250−5.32.8−7.911.79.59.5−18.8−18.80.0
001Surg17,14023,45527,01057.636.815.2137989322.819.819.0−16.7−13.2−4.0
002Surg3,5554,9505,75061.739.216.231926624521.719.119.2−11.5−12.00.5
004Surg3,4004,5604,97046.234.19.032327426623.418.416.8−28.2−21.4−8.7
005Surg43,88057,83047,5308.331.8−17.855425210.98.67.8−28.4−21.1−9.3
006Surg13,7005,1851,555−88.6−62.2−70.01662573693.22.83.20.0−12.514.3
0071Surg5,4456,9705,9459.228.0−14.727022524111.913.925.4113.416.882.7
0081Surg4,5752,9703,950−13.7−35.133.02823093037.75.45.3−31.2−29.9−1.9
009Med4,0753,4002,570−36.9−16.6−24.430329233917.115.914.4−15.8−7.0−9.4
0101Med13,36020,90518,37537.556.5−12.117210711413.911.111.6−16.5−20.14.5
0111Med6,2552,5404,785−23.5−59.488.425432327613.88.57.2−47.8−38.4−15.3
012Med63,94545,44028,840−54.9−28.9−36.536558513.813.313.4−2.9−3.60.8
013Med8,7356,3505,845−33.1−27.3−8.022223924412.911.210.4−19.4−13.2−7.1
014Med299,440322,690328,9009.87.81.955315.111.310.9−27.8−25.2−3.5
0152Med158,820172,925150,395−5.38.9−13.01511117.25.75.7−20.8−20.80.0
016Med8,29018,24513,29560.4120.1−27.122911514410.59.59.6−8.6−9.51.1
017Med42,92513,0305,175−87.9−69.6−60.3571422629.77.07.0−27.8−27.80.0
0181Med19,65517,33013,020−33.8−11.8−24.91191191459.78.19.2−5.2−16.513.6
0191Med11,2955,4259,710−14.0−52.079.01852561808.86.16.1−30.7−30.70.0
020Med6,0956,4305,970−2.15.5−7.225623724013.612.612.6−7.4−7.40.0
021Med56556579039.80.039.839139138710.39.610.73.9−6.811.5
022Med10,31515,89511,92515.654.1−25.01911271558.15.95.7−29.6−27.2−3.4
023Med4,1605,7154,1900.737.4−26.730024629310.66.86.3−40.6−35.8−7.4
0241Med41,62060,78050,20520.646.0−17.46141508.06.77.8−2.5−16.216.4
0251Med28,25017,00526,355−6.7−39.855.093123976.94.94.8−30.4−29.0−2.0
027Med1,5252,5252,86587.965.613.536632433110.211.59.2−9.812.7−20.0
0281Med8,79511,2857,505−14.728.3−33.522016520811.58.79.9−13.9−24.313.8
0291Med2,3751,2104,14074.3−49.1242.134837029611.65.45.4−53.4−53.40.0
0311Med9,11011,0454,150−54.421.2−62.42131682957.75.46.7−13.0−29.924.1
0321Med3,2251,8354,30033.3−43.1134.33293482875.33.33.8−28.3−37.715.2
0341Med13,03516,68512,780−2.028.0−23.417412414910.99.29.7−11.0−15.65.4
0351Med6,6353,1455,405−18.5−52.671.924930225310.48.66.3−39.4−17.3−26.7
MDC 2—Diseases and disorders of the eye (DRGs 36-48)
Total (DRGs 36-48)554,475195,49594,440−83.0−64.7−51.72.92.83.16.9−3.410.7
036Surg17,13020,91021,83027.422.14.41391061085.14.03.0−41.2−21.6−25.0
037Surg4,2753,1653,165−26.0−26.00.02963013224.44.34.52.3−2.34.7
038Surg4,4002,3201,280−70.9−47.3−44.82923323743.33.63.0−9.19.1−16.7
0392Surg438,675111,17526,655−93.9−74.7−76.0323952.52.12.0−20.0−16.0−4.8
040Surg18,2609,3004,920−73.1−49.1−47.11321872692.72.73.322.20.022.2
042Surg26,23529,36024,675−5.911.9−16.098771004.13.33.0−26.8−19.5−9.1
043Med615410320−48.0−33.3−22.03893964066.16.54.1−32.86.6−36.9
044Med2,5602,4202,295−10.4−5.5−5.23453273457.77.36.8−11.7−5.2−6.8
045Med5,7554,7953,120−45.8−16.7−34.92642683245.54.54.3−21.8−18.2−4.4
046Med2,8904,6903,20010.762.3−31.83402723206.45.46.1−4.7−15.613.0
047Med33,6806,9502,975−91.2−79.4−57.2812273294.13.74.34.9−9.816.2
MDC 3—Diseases and disorders of the ear, nose, mouth, and throat (DRGs 49-74)
Total (DRGs 49-74)190,635147,655117,945−38.1−22.5−20.16.35.45.6−11.3−14.73.9
049Surg4,5055,3556,29539.718.917.628725623317.317.316.3−5.80.0−5.8
050Surg4,3455,5255,71031.427.23.32932512464.93.83.0−38.8−22.4−21.1
051Surg1,0601,085800−24.52.4−26.33773763864.23.42.7−35.7−19.0−20.6
052Surg(3)135120NANA−11.14234094214.23.42.7−35.7−19.0−20.6
053Surg6,9659,9558,91027.942.9−10.52461821854.53.53.3−26.7−22.2−5.7
055Surg13,61513,6057,335−46.1−0.1−46.11671372123.12.62.7−12.9−16.13.8
056Surg3,8602,5601,425−63.1−33.7−44.33093213733.42.52.3−32.4−26.5−8.0
0572Surg920815860−6.5−11.45.53813813825.55.35.61.8−3.65.7
059Surg21539533053.583.7−16.54013974054.22.33.7−11.9−45.260.9
0612Surg795510355−55.3−35.8−30.43843934032.94.24.451.744.84.8
063Surg4,1704,6654,82515.711.93.42992732748.89.38.5−3.45.7−8.6
064Med16,7459,1505,525−67.0−45.4−39.614218824810.18.610.21.0−14.918.6
065Med46,05036,63030,830−33.1−20.5−15.85467775.44.34.2−22.2−20.4−2.3
066Med14,23013,01010,060−29.3−8.6−22.71611431734.84.44.3−10.4−8.3−2.3
067Med26534048081.128.341.23983993987.56.96.2−17.3−8.0−10.1
0682Med36,97027,17017,310−53.2−26.5−36.371861207.26.06.2−13.9−16.73.3
0691Med14,1504,0307,100−49.8−71.576.21622812196.04.54.8−20.0−25.06.7
071Med235130140−40.4−44.77.73994124177.75.77.6−1.3−26.033.3
072Med2,5501,265920−63.9−50.4−27.33463663816.25.55.5−11.3−11.30.0
073Med18,92011,3058,570−54.7−40.2−24.21271621915.65.26.312.5−7.121.2
MDC 4—Diseases and disorders of the respiratory system (DRGs 75-102, 474-475)
Total (DRGs 75-102,474-475)1,239,1751,270,9201,306,6155.42.62.810.18.99.4−6.9−11.95.6
075Surg21,74529,37030,43039.935.13.6111768017.215.714.9−13.4−8.7−5.1
0762Surg3,88511,98030,320680.4208.4153.13071538115.016.913.9−7.312.7−17.8
0772Surg7,4453,5654,910−34.0−52.137.724128927013.18.17.3−44.3−38.2−9.9
078Med26,70529,22027,2502.09.4−6.797799212.711.210.6−16.5−11.8−5.4
0791Med25,76572,370101,885295.4180.940.8100362514.512.612.6−16.0−16.00.0
0801Med4,8302,72516,205235.5−43.6494.727631513114.110.89.2−34.8−23.4−14.8
082Med138,370105,76577,030−44.3−23.6−27.218253410.99.69.7−11.0−11.91.0
0831Med9,17010,2357,975−13.011.6−22.12121782049.98.38.0−19.2−16.2−3.6
0841Med1,7657602,35533.4−56.9209.93623823438.54.94.9−42.4−17.6−0.3
0851Med15,52520,28515,7401.430.7−22.415310913411.49.19.3−18.4−20.22.2
0861Med3,6951,2602,565−30.6−65.9103.631536734010.16.66.0−40.6−34.7−9.1
087Med63,535100,96068,2657.458.9−32.437263911.29.78.7−22.3−13.4−10.3
088Med273,100177,10592,275−66.2−35.2−47.979309.78.37.8−19.6−14.4−6.0
0891Med262,790357,540322,67522.836.1−9.883410.99.19.3−14.7−16.52.2
0901Med57,43020,34083,08544.7−64.6308.542108329.67.06.9−28.1−27.1−1.4
091Med(3)135130NANA−3.74214104185.08.36.326.066.0−24.1
0921Med14,30513,2308,400−41.3−7.5−36.51601391969.88.79.4−4.1−11.28.0
0931Med4,9251,4602,200−55.3−70.450.72753603499.16.47.1−22.0−29.710.9
0941Med5,8009,0259,27059.855.62.726319218312.09.99.7−19.2−17.5−2.0
0951Med2,2108251,770−19.9−62.7114.535138036411.15.85.9−46.8−47.71.7
0961Med143,405192,575215,12550.034.311.717868.17.07.4−8.6−13.65.7
0971Med59,63526,46551,325−13.9−55.693.94088497.55.85.5−26.7−22.7−5.2
0991Med36,07044,47536,9752.523.3−16.97258657.75.96.1−20.8−23.43.4
1001Med17,1407,05511,870−30.7−58.868.21382231566.64.23.5−47.0−36.4−16.7
1011Med29,65029,33520,995−29.2−1.1−28.490781099.07.17.4−17.8−21.14.2
1021Med10,2152,8256,395−37.4−72.3126.41943122307.84.85.1−34.6−38.56.2
474(5)(5)12,990NANANA430430146NANA50.3NANANA
475Med(5)(5)46,180NANANA43143153NANA14.5NANANA
MDC 5—Diseases and disorders of the circulatory system (DRGs 103-145)
Total (DRGs 103-145)2,420,0652,450,1702,644,9109.31.27.99.37.87.7−17.2−16.1−1.3
103Surg(4)(4)160NANANA42642441552.043.331.4−39.6−16.8−27.4
104Surg6107,17012,0151,869.71,075.467.639021915321.220.623.611.3−2.814.6
105Surg10,18010,16512,01018.0−0.118.219518015419.117.416.4−14.1−8.9−5.7
106Surg4,54535,41561,8151,260.1679.274.5284684216.416.716.32.41.80.6
107Surg50,34034,29044,790−11.0−31.930.650705715.513.613.0−16.1−12.3−4.4
1082Surg3,51523,4455,41554.1567.0−76.93209925211.77.116.944.4−39.3138.0
1092Surg3,5755,14011,415219.343.8122.131826116216.212.612.4−23.5−22.2−1.6
1101Surg35,01062,17569,68599.077.612.176393817.415.616.4−5.7−10.35.1
1111Surg15,9708,35017,92512.2−47.7114.715120011714.810.89.4−36.5−27.0−13.0
1122Surg35,26038,135109.830211.58.2188.074642014.011.57.5−46.4−17.9−34.8
113Surg20,28021,94532,72561.48.249.11161027423.918.219.2−19.7−23.85.5
114Surg5,3707,1458,75563.033.122.527222018922.417.313.8−38.4−22.8−20.2
1152Surg6,6207,8906,235−5.819.2−21.025020523417.215.114.8−14.0−12.2−2.0
1162Surg48,12553,96552,0658.212.2−3.652444810.58.57.9−24.8−19.0−7.1
1172Surg4,1357,3754.075−1.578.4−44.73012142997.77.16.5−15.6−7.8−8.5
1181Surg6,1508.4109,21549.836.79.62551981845.24.25.55.8−19.231.0
119Surg5,9455,4454,275−28.1−8.4−21.52602542908.77.06.3−27.6−19.5−10.0
120Surg14,62517,01021,85549.416.328.515812210719.917.017.2−13.6−14.613
121Med35,095121,030142,240305.3244.917.575211312.911.510.5−18.6−10.9−8.7
122Med195,375147,230125,535−35.7−24.6−14.712161711.99.37.5−37.0−21.8−19.4
123Med56,26072,82065,76516.929.4−9.74435406.15.55.4−11.5−9.8−1.8
124Med7,16548,84089,6151,150.7581.683.524450319.16.66.3−30.8−27.5−4.5
125Med31,16082,600107,560245.2165.130.28731225.43.33.1−42.6−38.9−6.1
126Med2,3453,2553,78561.438.816.334929730725.221.322.7−9.9−15.56.6
127Med457,470512,055537,87517.611.95.021110.18.28.1−19.8−18.8−1.2
128Med37,91041,15030,725−19.08.5−25.368617810.79.28.9−16.8−14.0−3.3
1292Med24,51011,9458,325−66.0−51.3−30.31051541998.96.65.4−39.3−25.8−18.2
1301Med97,65583,21560,855−37.7−14.8−26.927294310.37.68.2−20.4−26.27.9
1311Med33,00513,78030,280−8.3−58.2119.783135828.76.06.0−31.0−31.00.0
1321Med212,49049,04016,705−92.1−76.9−65.910481248.56.55.9−30.6−23.5−9.2
1331Med77,1206,4406,715−91.3−91.64.3312362256.64.64.2−36.4−30.3−8.7
134Med118,70050,15536,265−69.4−57.7−27.72246677.66.15.7−25.0−19.7−6.6
1351Med19,71011,1557,305−62.9−43.4−34.51181672158.37.37.2−13.3−12.0−1.4
1361Med8,1051,4201,835−77.4−82.529.22313613626.74.44.3−35.8−34.3−2.3
1381Med179,275215,345174,970−2.420.1−18.713697.56.06.4−14.7−20.06.7
1391Med49,83023,42579,73560.0−53.0240.451100336.34.34.3−31.7−31.70.0
140Med273,360359,680367,58534.531.62.26226.55.24.8−26.2−20.0−7.7
1411Med70,41595,13074,7506.235.1−21.43328356.55.35.9−9.2−18.511.3
1421Med16,25010,17540,495149.2−37.4298.0148179605.64.04.2−25.0−28.65.0
143Med88,37080,32098,67011.7−9.122.83032275.53.93.6−34.5−29.1−7.7
144Med15,69543,64045,000186.7178.13.115259569.38.17.7−17.2−12.9−4.9
145Med42,53012,8158,060−81.0−69.9−37.1591452018.95.64.4−50.6−37.1−21.4
MDC 6—Diseases and disorders of the digestive system (DRGs 146-190)
Total (DRGs 146-190)1,364,4001,252,9801,165,830−14.6−8.2−7.09.08.28.5−5.6−8.93.7
1461Surg10,22519,96016,97566.095.2−15.019311012220.017.517.7−11.5−12.51.1
1471Surg3,0652,0204,57549.3−34.1126.533533828017.013.310.7−37.1−21.8−19.5
1481Surg74,520120,725117,30057.462.0−2.832221818.816.617.4−7.4−11.74.8
1491Surg18,69510,30525,45036.1−44.9147.01291779916.711.710.5−37.1−29.9−10.3
1501Surg9,27512,20018,28097.131.549.820814911517.515.014.9−14.9−14.3−0.7
1511Surg2,9651,5556,455117.7−47.6315.133835622915.110.79.2−39.1−29.1−14.0
1521Surg9,27011,2907,440−19.721.8−34.120916420912.911.29.8−24.0−13.2−12.5
1531Surg3,2902,0704,07023.7−37.196.632533530110.78.67.3−31.8−19.6−15.1
1541Surg37,05548,00548,70531.429.61.570515116.616.717.76.60.66.0
1551Surg11,7704,7408,395−28.7−59.777.118126919714.311.09.5−33.6−23.1−13.6
1571Surg27,29041,71523,875−12.552.9−42.895601067.46.27.3−1.4−16.217.7
1581Surg17,68013,71519,49010.2−22.442.11351361116.24.23.6−41.9−32.3−14.3
1591Surg20,20025,07514,170−29.924.1−43.5117911428.97.77.0−21.3−13.5−9.1
1601Surg12,9308,35515,69021.3−35.487.81761991367.25.34.0−44.4−26.4−24.5
1611Surg69,54577,54032,840−52.811.5−57.63433726.24.74.8−22.6−24.22.1
1621Surg32,95524,05545,31037.5−27.088.48596554.83.42.6−45.8−29.2−23.5
1641Surg3,3805,1154,45031.751.3−13.032426228313.412.412.6−6.0−7.51.6
1651Surg1,5151,1502,93093.4−24.1154.836737333011.68.77.8−32.8−25.0−10.3
1661Surg3,2353,5102,330−28.08.5−33.632829134410.48.88.4−19.2−15.4−4.5
1671Surg2,2651,6902,78523.0−25.464.83503533347.85.24.8−38.5−33.3−7.7
1681Surg7,1058,7454,045−43.123.1−53.72451953027.26.49.025.0−11.140.6
1691Surg3,9503,1753,920−0.8−19.623.53043003056.33.93.8−39.7−38.1−2.6
1701Surg16,28014,39512,645−22.3−11.6−12.214713115019.816.316.9−14.6−17.73.7
1711Surg6,0301,4652,145−64.4−75.746.425735935416.510.58.5−48.5−36.4−19.0
1721Med65,26044,68030,700−53.0−31.5−31.335567912.210.010.7−12.3−18.07.0
1731Med18,2853,3204,870−73.4−81.846.713129527211.17.46.4−42.3−33.3−13.5
1741Med110,005155,820135,98023.641.6−12.72515158.76.97.2−17.2−20.74.3
1751Med28,25512,78532,83016.2−54.8156.892146737.44.94.9−33.8−33.80.0
176Med9,79512,14511,86521.124.0−2.319815015710.47.98.0−23.1−24.01.3
1771Med34,17027,85517,980−47.4−18.5−35.578841167.76.46.3−18.2−16.9−1.6
1781Med14,6755,8008,765−40.3−60.551.11572441886.74.64.7−29.9−31.32.2
179Med8,6207,7007,325−15.0−10.7−4.922621021410.99.89.8−10.1−10.10.0
1801Med52,17570,89556,2857.935.9−20.64737468.87.18.0−9.1−19.312.7
1811Med13,5259,33025,64089.6−31.0174.8169186987.95.15.3−32.9−35.43.9
1821Med371,790322,875241,720−35.0−13.2−25.14457.05.96.4−8.6−15.78.5
1831Med130,92549,86592,745−29.2−61.986.01947296.14.64.6−24.6−24.60.0
184Med(3)7570NANA−6.7422421428NA4.14.0NANA−2.4
185Med10,7306,6654,775−55.5−37.9−28.41902302777.96.96.6−16.5−12.7−4.3
187Med7,6754,0401,690−78.0−47.4−58.22382803673.22.83.46.2−12.521.4
1881Med58,99548,96036,590−38.0−17.0−25.34149667.96.27.5−5.1−21.521.0
1891Med24,8007,34511,530−53.5−70.457.01042161606.45.14.0−37.5−20.3−21.6
190Med14512018024.1−17.250.04064134137.44.86.1−17.6−35.127.1
MDC 7—Diseases and disorders of the hepatobiliary system and pancreas (DRGs 191-208)
Total (DRGs 191-208)305,055320,040317.4154.14.9−0.811.410.09.8−14.0−12.3−2.0
1912Surg2,1554,4707,170232.7107.460.435227521723.722.522.3−5.9−89.5792.0
1922Surg8852,9652,280157.6235.0−23.138231034622.421.523.44.5−4.08.8
1931Surg7,89012,9409,78524.064.0−24.423314417919.416.217.9−7.7−16.510.5
1941Surg1,9209802,18513.8−49.0123.036137735016.512.011.7−29.1−27.3−2.5
1951Surg6,73525,72524,185259.1282.0−6.02479010415.713.713.7−12.7−12.70.0
1961Surg6251,5404,100556.0146.4166.238835729812.410.49.7−21.8−16.1−6.7
1971Surg62,65575,05062,9300.419.8−16.139344113.410.810.5−21.6−19.4−2.8
1981Surg31,12518,23539,93028.3−41.4119.0881166310.57.46.5−38.1−29.5−12.2
199Surg3,8704,1253,200−17.36.6−22.430827832119.415.614.5−25.3−19.6−7.1
200Surg4,5502,5002,115−53.5−45.1−15.428332535517.213.914.6−15.1−19.25.0
201Surg2,1454,3654,790123.3103.59.735327627517.912.812.8−28.5−28.50.0
202Med20,48017,24514,530−29.1−15.8−15.711512113811.810.69.9−16.1−10.2−6.6
203Med35,67034,06030,110−15.6−4.5−11.673718411.39.69.9−12.4−15.03.1
204Med27,93031,80534,46523.413.98.49473699.77.98.1−16.5−18.62.5
2051Med19,09022,89019,7903.719.9−13.512510111010.79.19.2−14.0−15.01.1
2061Med9,2452,8653,375−63.5−69.017.82113113179.36.05.1−45.2−35.5−15.0
2071Med51,83550,92535,965−30.6−1.8−29.44845688.36.67.3−12.0−20.510.6
2081Med16,2507,35516,5101.6−54.7124.51492151257.34.54.4−39.7−38.4−2.2
MDC 8—Diseases and disorders of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue (DRGs 209-256, 471)
Total (DRGs 209-256, 471)1,008,190975,025923,690−8.4−3.3−5.312.010.410.4−13.3−13.30.0
2092Surg117,460169,970209,08078.044.723.02312717.514.312.5−28.6−18.3−12.6
2101Surg96,570125,36095,695−0.929.8−23.728192818.615.315.2−18.3−17.7−0.7
2111Surg11,1457,75543,615291.3−30.4462.41862085916.912.611.4−32.5−25.4−9.5
213Surg4,1205,6255,33529.536.5−5.230224925720.716.014.2−31.4−22.7−11.3
2141Surg16,86030,78028,55069.382.6−7.2141748717.114.414.1−17.5−15.8−2.1
2151Surg16,58015,65034,000105.1−5.6117.31451297113.910.58.5117.9169.2−19.0
216Surg2,9705,0154,90565.268.9−2.233726427114.614.114.4−1.4−3.42.1
217Surg3,4708,06014,495317.7132.379.832220313921.717.822.32.8−18.025.3
2181Surg11,64018,53012,96511.459.2−30.018411414712.810.310.8−15.6−19.54.9
2191Surg7,3907,79017,065130.95.4119.124220712110.37.56.4−37.9−27.2−14.7
2211Surg9,27011,2954,075−56.021.8−63.92101633008.56.910.624.7−18.853.6
2221Surg8,3307,0307,285−12.5−15.63.62282242166.54.45.3−18.5−32.320.5
2232Surg8,04513,16516,06099.663.622.02321401328.26.45.8−29.3−22.0−9.4
2242Surg5,5756,4958,73556.716.534.52692341906.64.54.0−39.4−31.8−11.1
225Surg30,91527,77514,440−53.3−10.2−48.089851405.64.74.9−12.5−16.14.3
2261Surg5,0956,2154,635−9.022.0−25.42742402798.88.410.013.6−4.519.0
2271Surg4,6553,0608,01072.1−34.3161.82793052036.34.94.3−31.7−22.2−12.2
2282Surg1,0403155,025383.2−69.71,495.23784012662.52.44.060.0−4.066.7
2292Surg16,43512,5204,175−74.6−23.8−66.71461482944.53.72.6−42.2−17.8−29.7
230Surg5,6304,7203,075−45.4−16.2−34.926727032511.88.37.0−40.7−29.7−15.7
231Surg12,72011,5807,335−42.3−9.0−36.71781592137.56.06.9−8.0−20.015.0
232Surg5,8401,230715−87.8−78.9−41.92613693904.65.37.154.315.234.0
2331Surg19,1259,5606,005−68.6−50.0−37.212418523914.410.612.2−15.3−26.415.1
2341Surg8,2453,2505,520−33.1−60.669.82302982499.46.36.2−34.0−33.0−1.6
235Med8,6257,4106,955−19.4−14.1−6.122521322021.716.013.3−38.7−26.3−16.9
236Med52,58045,60540,155−23.6−13.3−12.046546116.611.810.2−38.6−28.9−13.6
237Med3,1752,6901,700−46.5−15.3−36.83323173669.36.16.0−35.5−34.4−1.6
238Med4,3055,1755,42526.020.24.829525825118.514.915.2−17.8−19.52.0
239Med43,88063,01058,54033.443.6−7.156384412.210.110.4−14.8−17.23.0
2401Med23,59519,06511,040−53.2−19.2−42.110811216411.09.310.1−8.2−15.58.6
2411Med14,4705,7055,930−59.0−60.63.915924724210.17.36.7−33.7−27.7−8.2
242Med2,0002,7752,24012.038.8−19.335831434815.612.711.4−26.9−18.6−10.2
243Med208,935174,170129,050−38.2−16.6−25.91110169.27.37.0−23.9−20.7−4.1
2441Med51,46027,94011,560−77.5−45.7−58.649831599.67.68.2−14.6−20.87.9
2451Med12,4903,9208,055−35.5−68.6105.51792842028.36.05.9−28.9−27.7−1.7
246Med9,7003,9102,175−77.6−59.7−44.420028535110.06.56.3−37.0−35.0−3.1
247Med24,36515,76511,045−54.7−35.3−29.91061281637.65.86.5−14.5−23.712.1
248Med13,9908,8356,775−51.6−36.8−23.31641942237.46.16.1−17.6−17.60.0
249Med6,5305,7805,855−10.3−11.51.325124524312.18.76.9−43.0−28.1−20.7
2501Med18,07511,4103,780−79.1−36.9−66.91331603087.45.47.2−2.7−27.033.3
2511Med5,8352,4004,965−14.9−58.9106.92623292686.03.23.5−41.7−46.79.4
2531Med42,78537,16016,420−61.6−13.1−55.858651279.57.48.8−7.4−22.118.9
2541Med12,9856,96016,36026.0−46.4135.11752261287.95.15.1−35.4−35.40.0
256Med19,26512,5659,400−51.2−34.8−25.21211471829.67.86.7−30.2−18.8−14.1
471(5)(5)5,430NANANA427427250NANA17.8NANANA
MDC 9—Diseases and disorders of the skin, subcutaneous tissue and breast (DRGs 257-284)
Total (DRGs 257-284)348,335299,210289,375−16.9−14.1−3.310.19.09.1−9.9−10.91.1
2571Surg24,23036,90527,61013.952.3−25.210766909.77.66.4−34.0−21.6−15.8
2581Surg8,8658,08531,545255.8−8.8290.2218202768.96.34.8−46.1−29.2−23.8
2591Surg7,7808,2553,435−55.86.1−58.42352013158.66.07.2−16.3−30.220.0
2601Surg2,9351,7954,26545.3−38.8137.63393502918.13.63.3−59.3−55.6−8.3
261Surg6,6605,1504,415−33.7−22.7−14.32482602855.33.73.1−41.5−30.2−16.2
262Surg17,04510,3603,140−81.6−39.2−69.71401763233.52.72.5−28.6−22.9−7.4
2631Surg9,28524,63028,755209.7165.316.7207958624.820.322.5−9.3−18.110.8
2641Surg3,8203,0556,60072.8−20.0116.031130722624.616.414.0−43.1−33.3−14.6
2652Surg1,5055,1705,155242.5243.5−0.336825926313.210.710.1−23.5−18.9−5.6
2662Surg9,5609,1256,370−33.4−4.6−30.22021892328.25.34.6−43.9−35.4−13.2
267Surg835735530−36.5−12.0−27.93833853957.15.44.9−31.0−23.9−9.3
268Surg2,7703,2751,900−31.418.2−42.03432963594.64.14.3−6.5−10.94.9
269121,67515,9959,985−53.9−26.2−37.611212617610.49.512.419.2−8.730.5
270111,1054,7006,470−41.7−57.737.71872712278.35.54.9−41.0−33.7−10.9
271Med25,93521,66517,915−30.9−16.5−17.39910411817.513.712.2−30.3−21.7−10.9
272Med13,98010,7156,875−50.8−23.4−35.816517122111.69.49.7−16.4−19.03.2
2731Med4,6851,7203,055−34.8−63.377.627835232710.58.27.3−30.5−21.9−11.0
2741Med19,0357,1354,225−77.8−62.5−40.812622129212.010.610.0−16.7−11.7−5.7
2751Med8,980755615−93.2−91.6−18.521538439410.38.58.5−17.5−17.50.0
276Med3,6501,8851,085−70.3−48.4−42.43173473776.74.44.3−35.8−34.3−2.3
2771Med47,73561,36556,38518.128.6−8.153404510.88.79.0−16.7−19.43.4
2781Med18,89510,76026,74541.5−43.1148.6128170949.57.66.7−29.5−20.0−11.8
2801Med40,57029,00512,910−68.2−28.5−55.563811487.36.06.9−5.5−17.815.0
2811Med9,8453,5609,9150.7−63.8178.51972901776.14.44.7−23.0−27.96.8
2831Med19,20510,9756,095−68.3−42.9−44.51231692378.16.97.6−6.2−14.810.1
2841Med7,7352,4103,350−56.7−68.839.02363283196.75.14.9−26.9−23.9−3.9
MDC 10—Endocrine, nutritional and metabolic diseases and disorders (DRGs 285-301)
Total (DRGs 285-301)384,005409,800394,3702.76.7−3.810.38.58.5−17.5−17.50.0
285Surg8,78513,3003,795−56.851.4−71.522113830626.021.123.1−11.2−18.89.5
286Surg9301,2001,48559.729.023.838037137116.214.913.7−15.4−8.0−8.1
287Surg2,8556,7207,560164.8135.412.534122920725.118.619.7−21.5−25.95.9
288Surg5006255204.025.0−16.839338939612.511.29.9−20.8−10.4−11.6
289Surg2,1053,0803,64072.946.318.23543033099.77.86.4−34.0−19.6−17.9
290Surg7,7008,5208,90515.610.64.52371971666.95.64.5−34.8−18.8−19.6
291Surg280165195−30.4−41.118.23964074123.82.72.6−31.6−28.9−3.7
2921Surg4,6305,8455,0759.626.2−13.228024326517.016.318.911.2−5.918.1
2931Surg2,090640840−59.8−69.431.335538738315.211.78.3−45.4−23.0−29.1
294Med177,210123,33599,250−44.0−30.4−19.51420269.78.07.7−20.6−17.5−3.7
295Med3,1953,0603,060−4.2−3.6−0.63303043267.87.16.6−15.4−9.0−7.0
2961Med125,515213,985190,69551.970.5−10.9207810.07.88.8−12.0−22.012.8
2971Med24,85011,99054,720120.2−51.8356.4102152478.45.95.8−31.0−29.8−1.7
298Med7511512566.753.38.74174144206.17.05.2−14.814.8−25.7
299Med2,0701,175925−55.3−43.2−21.33563723808.66.58.1−5.5−24.224.6
3001Med14,85014,13510,945−26.3−4.8−22.615613416610.68.99.8−7.5−16.010.1
3011Med6,3651,8902,635−58.6−70.339.42533463378.56.16.1−28.2−28.20.0
MDC 11—Diseases and disorders of the kidney and urinary tract (DRGs 302-333)
Total (DRGs 302-333)540,885501,770502,455−7.1−7.20.19.07.88.1−10.0−13.30.0
302Surg3,6605,5156,10566.850.710.731625223627.120.418.0−33.6−24.7−11.8
303Surg8,72014,37016,32587.264.813.622313212917.915.514.8−17.3−13.4−4.5
3041Surg11,78520,93514,29021.377.6−31.718010514114.312.614.40.7−11.914.3
3051Surg7,3854,8606,155−16.7−34.226.624326723512.58.57.8−37.6−32.0−8.2
3061Surg16,19023,63012,435−23.246.0−47.41509715211.18.810.1−9.0−20.714.8
3071Surg4,4252,6356,04036.5−40.5129.22913192389.06.35.3−41.1−30.0−15.9
3081Surg11,67011,7158,270−29.10.4−29.418315720010.08.811.111.0−12.026.1
3091Surg4,2601,9004,3000.9−55.4126.32973432888.26.04.9−40.2−26.8−18.3
3101Surg41,39556,59534,265−17.236.7−39.56243706.45.46.2−3.1−15.614.8
3111Surg12,88511,19527,445113.0−13.1145.2177166915.03.73.2−36.0−26.0−13.5
3121Surg6,0307,7204,425−26.628.0−42.72582092846.65.66.0−9.1−15.27.1
3131Surg2,7051,7453,42526.6−35.596.33443513165.73.93.1−45.6−31.6−20.5
315Surg10,86013,03528,180159.520.0116.21891418816.214.613.5−16.7−9.9−7.5
3162Med55,23544,64039,935−27.7−19.2−10.545576211.19.49.4−15.3−15.30.0
3172Med7802,3351,805131.4199.4−22.73311023633.92.32.9−25.6−41.026.1
3181Med24,81012,0657,755−68.7−51.4−35.71031512069.28.69.20.0−6.57.0
3191Med7,8551,0951,620−79.4−86.147.92343753687.64.64.0−47.4−39.5−13.0
3201Med124,590145,000145,19516.516.40.12117129.28.18.8−4.3−12.08.6
3211Med29,30011,89038,46031.3−59.4223.591156647.75.96.3−18.2−23.46.8
322Med808070−12.50.0−12.54144204295.95.85.2−11.9−1.7−10.3
3232Med26,80529,15524,600−8.28.8−15.696801016.34.54.2−33.3−28.6−6.7
3241Med17,86510,63516,930−5.2−40.559.21341731235.03.02.8−44.0−40.0−6.7
3251Med33,78524,66510,945−67.6−27.0−55.680931677.95.76.6−16.5−27.815.8
3261Med10,1102,9955,265−47.9−70.475.81963082596.14.13.9−36.1−32.8−4.9
3281Med9,5604,2401,895−80.2−55.6−55.32012773606.14.55.0−18.0−26.211.1
3291Med3,285560620−81.1−83.010.73263923935.53.42.6−52.7−38.2−23.5
3311Med39,18532,50526,440−32.5−17.0−18.76672969.06.87.7−14.4−24.413.2
3321Med15,4403,9558,870−42.6−74.4124.31542831877.84.64.9−37.2−41.06.5
333Med2259038571.1−60.0327.840041840010.48.16.6−36.5−22.1−18.5
MDC 12—Diseases and disorders of the male reproductive system (DRGs 334-352)
Total (DRGs 334-352)319,100293,890295,910−7.3−7.90.78.36.86.0−27.7−18.1−11.8
334Surg2,7708,97511,495315.0224.028.134219316114.612.711.5−21.2−13.0−9.4
335Surg11,0356,4508,570−22.3−41.532.918823519212.910.48.7−32.6−19.4−16.3
3361Surg115,725164,965103,020−11.042.5−37.62413248.97.16.9−22.5−20.2−2.8
3371Surg37,50524,650104,550178.8−34.3324.16994237.25.44.6−36.1−25.0−14.8
338Surg8,47010,55510.19520.424.6−3.42271741708.26.15.5−32.9−25.6−9.8
339Surg9,5308,5705,340−44.0−10.1−37.72031962565.14.24.1−19.6−17.6−2.4
341Surg4,4657,45516,430268.067.0120.42882111266.54.54.9−24.6−30.88.9
342Surg4,2101,980770−81.7−53.0−61.12983403893.83.03.7−2.6−21.123.3
344Surg5,4253,8003,360−38.1−30.0−11.62712883189.58.17.3−23.2−14.7−9.9
345Surg5,7202,7002,160−62.2−52.8−20.02663163527.16.55.6−21.1−8.5−13.8
3461Med39,30019,0659,525−75.8−51.5−50.0651131819.77.88.3−14.4−19.66.4
3471Med8,8851,8302,255−74.6−79.423.22173493478.53.93.2−62.4−54.1−17.9
3481Med34,84517,3205,085−85.4−50.3−70.6771202647.65.25.6−26.3−31.67.7
3491Med14,1053,2453,600−74.5−77.010.91632993115.93.13.0−49.2−47.5−3.2
350Med13,15510,4158,465−35.7−20.8−18.71731751956.56.06.0−7.7−7.70.0
352Med3,9401,9051,080−72.6−51.6−43.33053423785.94.34.4−25.4−27.12.3
MDC 13—Diseases and disorders of the female reproductive system (DRGs 353-369)
Total (DRGs 353−369)155,090132,285125,365−19.2−14.7−5.27.97.57.1−10.1−5.1−5.3
353Surg1,9852,4252,1608.822.2−10.936032635315.113.914.1−6.6−7.91.4
3542Surg22,32534,6507,130−68.155.2−79.41096921810.28.99.8−3.9−12.710.1
3552Surg16,70015,3706,820−59.2−8.0−55.61431302228.77.16.1−29.9−18.4−14.1
356Surg20,66526,09530,14045.926.315.511489838.26.75.4−34.1−18.3−19.4
3572Surg2,3952,8156,375166.217.5126.534731323115.113.513.7−9.3−10.61.5
3581Surg3,8055,05516,280327.932.9222.13122631309.48.28.1−13.8−12.8−1.2
3592Surg18019527,77515,330.68.314,143.6404404893.02.85.686.7−6.7100.0
360Surg7,5806,5704,715−37.8−13.3−28.22392312785.45.56.418.51.916.4
3612Surg555635400−27.914.4−37.03923883994.06.05.640.050.0−6.7
3621Surg15010035−76.7−33.3−65.04054174322.62.11.9−26.9−19.2−9.5
363Surg8,6356,5254,465−48.3−24.4−31.62242322825.84.85.2−10.3−17.28.3
364Surg21,87510,6804,140−81.1−51.2−61.21101722973.42.93.40.0−14.717.2
365Surg4,4553,3853,615−18.9−24.06.828929331014.613.912.2−16.4−4.8−12.2
3661Med18,5959,0405,595−69.9−51.4−38.11301912479.08.810.921.1−2.223.9
3671Med9,5251,3901,430−85.0−85.42.92043623726.66.14.5−31.8−7.6−26.2
368Med2,0701,6601,550−25.1−19.8−6.63573553708.78.08.4−3.4−8.05.0
369Med13,5955,6952,740−79.8−58.1−51.91682483356.95.44.9−29.0−21.7−9.3
MDC 14—Pregnancy, childbirth, and puerperium (DRGs 370-384)
Total (DRGs 370-384)3,1304,4505,30069.342.219.14.74.23.9−17.0−10.6−7.1
370Surg70345365421.4392.95.84193984018.29.57.4−9.815.9−22.1
371Surg41562077586.749.425.03943903887.46.04.6−37.8−18.9−23.3
372Med140195320128.639.364.14084054075.04.35.12.0−14.018.6
373Med1,2551,3851,98558.210.443.33733633573.73.22.5−32.4−13.5−21.9
374Surg14526522051.782.8−17.04074024113.73.62.6−29.7−2.7−27.8
3762Med809011543.812.527.84154194226.65.66.3−4.5−15.212.5
378Med85110850.029.4−22.74134164255.34.85.30.0−9.410.4
379Med12520022580.060.012.54104034102.42.93.025.020.83.4
380Med13014545−65.411.5−69.04094084304.91.72.0−59.2−65.317.6
3812Surg21532026523.348.8−17.24024004092.02.02.420.00.020.0
382Med11513580−30.417.4−40.74114114261.81.22.011.1−33.366.7
383Med270480690155.677.843.83973943915.84.96.26.9−15.526.5
384Med80115800.043.8−30.441641542712.52.33.0−76.0−81.630.4
MDC 16—Diseases and disorders of the Wood and blood forming organs and immunological disorders (DRGs 392-399)
Total (DRGs 392-399)127,510114,960103,355−18.9−9.8−10.18.46.87.3−13.1−19.07.4
392Surg1,6002,0352,59562.227.227.536433733817.916.618.21.7−7.39.6
394Surg3,0552,5452,020−33.9−16.7−20.63363223568.68.28.3−3.5−4.71.2
395Med99,69087,47573,010−26.8−12.3−16.52628378.26.36.5−20.7−23.23.2
396Med50(3)130160.0NANA4204224192.31.73.030.4NANA
397Med8,93010,00510,44517.012.04.42161811689.37.67.9−15.1−18.33.9
3981Med10,26511,60512,64523.213.19.01921581518.77.89.25.7−10.317.9
3991Med3,9151,2502,510−35.9−68.1100.83063683417.85.75.5−29.5−26.9−3.5
MDC 17—Myeloproliferative diseases and disorders, and poorly differentiated neoplasms (DRGs 400-414, 473)
Total (DRGs 400-414,473)203,545225,360235,12515.510.74.39.77.16.8−29.9−26.8−4.2
400Surg4,7107,2807,89567.654.68.427721720518.015.615.5−13.9−13.3−0.6
4011Surg4,5356,5206,46042.443.8−0.928523322811.810.715.833.9−9.347.7
4021Surg1,9951,5203,51075.9−23.8130.935935831210.47.16.0−42.3−31.7−15.5
4031Med57,24047,29024,455−57.3−17.4−48.3435210211.411.512.37.90.97.0
4041Med19,5406,1957,430−62.0−68.319.912024121010.68.06.3−40.6−24.5−21.3
406Surg1,4703,8654,360196.6162.912.836928728617.717.616.4−7.3−0.6−6.8
407Surg4,5202,0451,745−61.4−54.8−14.728633636515.910.17.9−50.3−36.5−21.8
4082Surg3,7406,79510,075169.481.748.33142281729.46.06.9−26.6−36.215.0
409Med4,5907,9208,53085.872.57.728120419311.410.411.50.9−8.810.6
410Med39,590108,035137,890248.3172.927.66424143.73.33.5−5.4−10.86.1
411Med9,7752,160490−95.0−77.9−77.31993343977.44.13.9−47.3−44.6−4.9
412Med4,3451,670365−91.6−61.6−78.12943544023.32.73.1−6.1−18.214.8
4131Med34,02521,67010,055−70.4−36.3−53.67910317411.710.111.2−4.3−13.710.9
4141Med13,4702,3953,475−74.2−82.245.117133031410.86.96.8−37.0−36.1−1.4
473(5)(5)8,390NANANA429429198NANA16.9NANANA
MDC 18—Infectious and parasitic diseases, systemic and unspecified sites (DRGs 415-423)
Total (DRGs 415-423)106,945153,910187,12575.243.921.812.010.911.2−6.7−9.22.8
415Surg9,47519,32524,010153.4104.024.220511110522.119.821.9−0.9−10.410.6
416Med42,02582,835109,410160.397.132.160302113.410.710.7−20.1−20.10.0
417Med(3)(3)95NANANA42442542420.78.57.5−63.8−58.9−11.8
418Med7,5059,66011,73556.428.721.524018415811.69.18.4−27.6−21.6−7.7
419Med16,64518,17016,040−3.69.2−11.714411713310.07.67.5−25.0−24.0−1.3
4201Med5,1201,8954,285−16.3−63.0126.12733442898.66.65.7−33.7−23.3−13.6
421Med17,26514,17014,950−13.4−17.95.51361331376.35.85.9−6.3−7.91.7
422Med75(3)10033.3NANA4184234234.95.45.818.4NANA
423Med8,8207,7956,770−23.2−11.6−13.121920622411.910.411.3−5.0−12.68.7
MDC 19—Mental diseases and disorders (DRGs 424-432)
Total (DRGs 424-432)230,910239,480270,56017.23.713.014.914.515.32.8−2.75.5
424Surg5,7205,4955,255−8.1−3.9−4.426525326022.022.925.515.94.111.4
425Med19,26517,63519,040−1.2−8.58.01221181128.97.27.6−14.6−19.15.6
426Med38,05524,87517,700−53.5−34.6−28.8679211913.910.910.6−23.7−21.6−2.8
427Med3,7453,9904,83029.06.521.131328227311.711.210.7−8.5−4.3−4.5
428Med3,2403,0602,990−7.7−5.6−2.332730632813.413.012.9−3.7−3.0−0.8
429Med63,18045,80045,515−28.0−27.5−0.638535413.612.414.24.4−8.814.5
430Med95,750136,750173,77081.542.827.129181017.216.716.8−2.3−2.90.6
431Med755760630−16.60.7−17.138638339211.79.19.7−17.1−22.26.6
432Med1,2001,115830−30.8−7.1−25.63743743849.47.210.39.6−23.443.1
MDC 20—Alcohol/drug use and alcohol/drug induced organic mental disorders (DRGs 433-438)
Total (DRGs 433-438)45,19050,91554,06519.612.76.210.710.210.5−1.9−4.72.9
43313153,8605,2501,566.71,125.436.03952872613.64.74.936.130.64.3
43411,4602,60018,5101,167.878.1611.937032011313.513.28.9−34.1−2.2−32.6
435198595015,6951,493.4−3.61,552.13793781358.99.58.1−9.06.7−14.7
43616,38011,3204,520−29.277.4−60.125216128113.313.316.221.80.021.8
43713,0801,94510,090227.6−36.9418.83343411716.85.717.4155.9−16.2205.3
438132,96530,240(4)NA−8.3NA8475NA10.59.5NANA−9.5NA
MDC 21—Injuries, poisonings and toxic effect of drugs (DRGs 439-455)
Total (DRGs 439-455)130,680154,295162,36524.218.15.29.17.57.8−14.3−17.64.0
439Surg1,0801,9951,26016.784.7−36.837633937519.617.213.8−29.6−12.2−19.8
440Surg1,5754,0957,410370.5160.081.036527921119.315.017.1−11.4−22.314.0
441Surg1,1651,3101,1851.712.4−9.53753653764.33.64.42.3−16.322.2
4421Surg21,3754,11543,770104.8−80.7963.7113625813.09.910.3−20.8−23.84.0
4431Surg11,7157,44014,12520.6−36.589.918221214311.07.66.5−40.9−30.9−14.5
4441Med9,4657,2303,935−58.4−23.6−45.620621830410.57.06.8−35.2−33.3−2.9
4451Med3,1601,3552,850−9.8−57.1110.33333643329.07.55.3−41.1−16.7−29.3
447Med3,1802,6602,695−15.3−16.41.33313183365.13.73.9−23.5−27.55.4
4492Med32,84040,66032,635−0.623.8−19.78663757.46.16.8−8.1−17.611.5
4502Med13,5157,08010,965−18.9−47.654.91702221656.14.14.1−32.8−32.80.0
4521Med14,91526,93524,31063.080.6−9.7155871038.26.37.1−13.4−23.212.7
4531Med9,1055,53510,03510.2−39.281.32142501758.15.54.3−46.9−32.1−21.8
4541Med5,9556,1855,280−11.33.9−14.62592422588.46.37.3−13.1−25.015.9
4551Med1,6306951,88015.3−57.4170.53633863617.64.24.6−39.5−44.79.5
MDC 22—Burns (DRGs 456-460)
Total (DRGs 456-460)6,6406,7555,870−11.61.7−13.118.315.416.6−9.3−15.87.8
456(3)190340NANA78.9425406404NA9.516.9NANA77.9
4572Med195420170−12.8115.4−59.540339541424.220.87.7−68.2−14.0−63.0
458Surg1,2601,8951,94554.450.42.634534535826.523.525.5−3.8−11.38.5
459Surg72592598535.927.66.538737937926.515.217.3−34.7−42.613.8
460Med4,4453,3252,430−45.3−25.2−26.929029434214.410.49.7−32.6−27.8−6.7
MDC 23—Factors influencing health status and other contacts with health service (DRGs 461-467)
Total (DRGs 461-467)222,88073,050109,785−50.7−67.250.311.213.117.657.317.034.4
461Surg33,1609,7959,900−70.1−70.51.18218317811.98.110.3−13.4−31.927.2
462Med3,51028,65074,4502,021.1716.2159.9321823624.922.222.6−9.2−10.81.8
463Med5,60011,94510,39585.6113.3−13.02681551699.37.47.2−22.6−20.4−2.7
464Med25,4556,3803,485−86.3−74.9−45.41012383138.86.24.5−48.9−29.5−27.4
465Med1,2752,180805−36.971.0−63.13713333852.32.53.134.88.724.0
466Med3,8454,9755,38540.129.48.23102652546.86.15.3−22.1−10.3−13.1
467Med150,0359,1255,365−96.4−93.9−41.21619025511.38.44.4−61.1−25.7−47.6
DRGs not assigned to an MDC
Total774,635173,605126,745−83.6−77.6−27.012.215.417.543.426.213.6
4681223,520157,255114,965−48.6−29.6−26.99141916.715.617.54.8−6.612.2
469115(6)(6)NANANA412NANA10.3NANANANANA
470551,00016,350155−99.9−97.0−99.1112541610.413.64.8−53.830.8−64.7
472(5)(5)305NANANA428428408NANA37.3NANANA
476(5)(5)2,830NANANA432432333NANA17.9NANANA
477(5)(5)8,490NANANA433433194NANA11.5NANANA

Age factor eliminated or changed effective October 1, 1987.

DRG definitions altered.

Fewer than 50 discharges.

Heart transplants not covered until October 17, 1986.

Indicates DRG not applicable in 1983 or 1985. New DRG effective dates: DRG 471 (October 1, 1985), DRGs 472, 473 (October 1, 1986), DRGs 474, 475 (October 1, 1987), DRGs 476, 477 (October 1, 1988), DRGs 478-490 (October 1, 1990), DRG 109 (October 1, 1990). DRG 438 no longer valid (October 1, 1985).

DRG no longer valid.

NOTES: NA denotes not applicable. DRGs not applicable to Medicare beneficiaries and DRGs with fewer than 50 discharges for each of the calendar years 1983, 1985, and 1988 are not presented in this table. Individual DRGs may not add to MDC totals in those instances where DRGs with fewer than 50 discharges during the year were either excluded from the table or not shown for an individual study year. Surg denotes surgical Med denotes medical (nonsurgical). To compare changes in the 1983 and 1988 definitions, please refer to the Federal Register, Vol. 48, No. 171, 39876-39886, Thursday, September 1, 1983, Rules and Regulations.

SOURCE: Health Care Financing Administration, Bureau of Data Management and Strategy: Data are from the Medicare Decision Support System; data development by the Office of Research and Demonstrations.

Table 2

Diagnosis-related groups (DRGs) within the major diagnostic categories (MDCs) and relative weights used in the Medicare prospective payment system for fiscal years 1983, 1985, and 1988, and average program payments for calendar year 1988

DRG code within MDCsStatusDescriptionRelative weightsAverage program payments


198319851988Per dischargePercent of total
MDC 1—Diseases and disorders of the nervous system (DRGs 1-35)
1SurgCraniotomy age > 17 except for trauma3.35483.31993.4434$14,9180.83
2SurgCraniotomy for trauma age > 173.28293.24883.816016,9900.20
4SurgSpinal procedures2.24522.22192.590411,1780.11
5SurgExtracranial vascular procedures1.67801.66061.56855,5960.55
6SurgCarpal tunnel release0.39930.39520.43931,443(1)
7SurgPeriph & cranial nerve & other nerv syst proc with CC21.02791.01722.526912,8510.16
8SurgPeriph & cranial nerve & other nerv syst proc w/o CC20.72390.71640.73672,7750.02
9MedSpinal disorders & injuries1.39581.38131.23696,4510.03
10MedNervous system neoplasms with CC21.30871.29511.21234,8570.18
11MedNervous system neoplasms w/o CC21.25451.24150.77292,8350.03
12MedDegenerative nervous system disorders1.11361.10200.94594,6370.27
13MedMultiple sclerosis & cerebellar ataxia1.01501.00450.93243,7810.04
14MedSpecific cerebrovascular disorders except TIA1.35271.33861.24294,5683.12
15MedTransient ischemic attack & precerebral occlusions30.66730.66040.62932,0170.63
16MedNonspecific cerebrovascular disorders with CC0.85920.85031.03843,9010.11
17MedNonspecific cerebrovascular disorders w/o CC0.83920.83050.63582,1730.02
18MedCranial & peripheral nerve disorders with CC20.79150.78330.95573,6980.10
19MedCranial & peripheral nerve disorders w/o CC20.69750.69030.61582,1940.04
20MedNervous system infection except viral meningitis1.31411.30041.62206,5260.08
21MedViral meningitis0.63010.62361.36135,6470.01
22MedHypertensive encephalopathy0.78690.77870.70552,0590.05
23MedNontraumatic stupor & coma1.15681.14480.95053,0590.03
24MedSeizure & headache age > 17 with CC20.72790.72030.92283,3980.35
25MedSeizure & headache age > 17 w/o CC20.63920.63260.53861,7310.09
27MedTraumatic stupor & coma, coma > 1 hr1.13681.12501.47536,3380.04
28MedTraumatic stupor & coma, coma < 1 hr age > 17 with CC21.07011.05901.16944,6260.07
29MedTraumatic stupor & coma, coma < 1 hr age > 17 w/o CC20.71750.71000.58561,9760.02
31MedConcussion age > 17 with CC20.60510.59880.65502,1100.02
32MedConcussion age > 17 w/o CC20.45190.44720.40051,0710.01
34MedOther disorders of nervous system with CC20.99270.98241.20384,7480.12
35MedOther disorders of nervous system w/o CC20.84600.83720.60352,3110.03
MDC 2—Diseases and disorders of the eye (DRGs 36-48)
36SurgRetinal procedures0.70930.70190.6820$2,2780.10
37SurgOrbital procedures0.56300.55710.71042,6520.02
38SurgPrimary iris procedures0.43250.42800.37791,272(1)
39SurgLens procedures with or without vitrectomy30.50100.49580.51671,6410.09
40SurgExtraocular procedures except orbit age > 170.39770.39360.46751,7940.02
42SurgIntraocular procedures except retina, iris & lens0.59060.58450.66002,3310.12
43MedHyphema0.38280.37880.37271,120(1)
44MedAcute major eye infections0.62980.62330.63522,4000.01
45MedNeurological eye disorders0.56410.55820.55951,7640.01
46MedOther disorders of the eye age > 17 with CC0.59640.59020.61952,3190.02
47MedOther disorders of the eye age > 17 w/o CC0.50640.50110.36111,1790.01
MDC 3—Diseases and disorders of the ear, nose, mouth and throat (DRGs 49-74)
49SurgMajor head & neck procedures2.52702.50072.892312,7020.17
50SurgSialoadenectomy0.71600.70860.66812,0750.02
51SurgSalivary gland procedures except sialoadenectomy0.67020.66320.54241,567(1)
52SurgCleft lip & palate repair0.64880.64210.70332,654(1)
53SurgSinus & mastoid procedures age > 170.58950.58340.61592,0800.04
55SurgMiscellaneous ear, nose, mouth & throat procedures0.41530.41100.45981,6160.02
56SurgRhinoplasty0.41440.41010.44711,250(1)
57SurgT&A proc, except tonsillectomy &/or adenoidectomy only, age > 1730.52510.51960.79072,763(1)
59SurgTonsillectomy &/or adenoidectomy only, age > 170.31470.31140.38451,616(1)
61SurgMyringotomy with tube insertion age > 1730.42730.42290.54012,453(1)
63SurgOther ear, nose, mouth & throat O.R. procedures1.10901.09751.15385,0220.05
64MedEar, nose, mouth & throat malignancy1.08121.07001.05484,7940.05
65MedDysequilibrium0.48570.48070.46001,2750.08
66MedEpistaxis0.41160.40730.42721,2710.03
67MedEpiglottitis0.67620.66920.99643,312(1)
68MedOtitis media & uri age > 17 with CC30.62890.62240.72172,2040.08
69MedOtitis media & uri age > 17 w/o CC20.54170.53610.53661,3630.02
71MedLaryngotracheitis0.35890.35520.60262,891(1)
72MedNasal trauma & deformity0.48570.48070.48951,965(1)
73MedOther ear, nose, mouth & throat diagnoses age >170.52170.51630.74042,6160.05
MDC 4—Diseases and disorders of the respiratory system (DRGs 75-102, 474, 475)
75SurgMajor chest procedures2.60442.57733.0258$11,8020.73
76SurgOther resp system O.R. procedures with CC31.87341.85392.08858,6440.54
77SurgOther resp system O.R. procedures w/o CC31.81781.79891.09704,0700.04
78MedPulmonary embolism1.40951.39491.48175,1480.29
79MedRespiratory infections & inflammations age > 17 with CC21.79821.77952.07777,4351.58
80MedRespiratory infections & inflammations age > 17 w/o CC21.74451.72641.33414,2930.14
82MedRespiratory neoplasms1.14001.12821.18994,4820.71
83MedMajor chest trauma with CC20.98090.97070.96983,1350.05
84MedMajor chest trauma w/o CC20.77380.76580.53721,6300.01
85MedPleural effusion with CC21.14611.13421.14514,0880.13
86MedPleural effusion w/o CC21.12171.11000.77202,5740.01
87MedPulmonary edema & respiratory failure1.55291.53681.56915,2190.74
88MedChronic obstructive pulmonary disease1.04121.03041.12633,8380.72
89MedSimple pneumonia & pleurisy age > 17 with CC21.10291.09141.28624,2702.87
90MedSimple pneumonia & pleurisy age > 17 w/o CC20.98490.97470.89612,6830.46
91MedSimple pneumonia & pleurisy age 0-170.51310.50780.94483,274(1)
92MedInterstitial lung disease with CC21.03701.02621.28214,6350.08
93MedInterstitial lung disease w/o CC20.97240.96230.82642,7170.01
94MedPneumothorax with CC21.43741.42251.39544,7130.09
95MedPneumothorax w/o CC21.12521.11350.75712,4120.01
96MedBronchitis & asthma age > 17 with CC20.79960.79130.98043,1511.40
97MedBronchitis & asthma age > 17 w/o CC20.72560.71810.71512,1690.23
99MedRespiratory signs & symptoms with CC20.80350.79520.78032,6000.20
100MedRespiratory signs & symptoms w/o CC20.77300.76500.52381,4780.03
101MedOther respiratory system diagnoses with CC20.90350.89410.95983,2770.14
102MedOther respiratory system diagnoses w/o CC20.90240.89300.66251,9530.03
474Respiratory system diagnosis with tracheostomy411.877248,5671.31
475MedRespiratory system diagnosis with ventilator support43.175712,6331.21
MDC 5— Diseases and disorders of the circulatory system (DRGs 103-145)
103SurgHeart transplant411.9225$56,0770.01
104SurgCardiac valve procedure with pump & with cardiac cath6.85276.78157.342431,5760.79
105SurgCardiac valve procedure with pump & w/o cardiac cath5.23085.17645.781125,2420.62
106SurgCoronary bypass with cardiac cath5.26245.20775.541521,7342.77
107SurgCoronary bypass w/o cardiac cath3.98913.94764.285817,6241.61
108SurgOther cardiothoracic or vascular procedures, with pump34.37564.33015.370324,9120.28
109SurgOther cardiothoracic procedures w/o pump33.69633.65793.914216,4450.39
110SurgMajor reconstructive vascular proc w/o pump with CC22.93282.90233.671814,5172.10
111SurgMajor reconstructive vascular proc w/o pump w/o CC22.58512.55822.26398,0740.30
112SurgVascular procedures except major reconstruction w/o pump32.35002.32561.89117,3081.65
113SurgAmputation for circ system disorders except upper limb & toe2.68002.65222.45909,6130.65
114SurgUpper limb & toe amputation for circ system disorders2.10672.08481.70406,5960.12
115SurgPerm cardiac pacemaker implant with AMI, heart failure or shock33.91503.87434.051614,7560.19
116SurgPerm cardiac pacemaker implant w/o AMI, heart failure or shock32.86652.83672.76949,7101.05
117SurgCardiac pacemaker revision except device replacement31.82101.80211.22615,0750.04
118SurgCardiac pacemaker device replacement31,78091.76241.75636,9600.13
119SurgVein ligation & stripping1.06101.05000.86922,9260.03
120SurgOther circulatory system O.R. procedures2.52042.49422.477611,0460.50
121MedCirculatory disorders with AMI & C.V. comp disch alive1.86481.84541.71625,7031.68
122MedCirculatory disorders with AMI w/o C.V. comp disch alive1.36511.35091.20023,6300.93
123MedCirculatory disorders with AMI, expired1.13601.12421.39794,8750.67
124MedCirculatory disorders except AMI, with card cath & complex diag2.22002.19691.18064,3170.79
125MedCirculatory disorders except AMI, with card cath w/o complex diag1.64551.62840.68842,2690.50
126MedAcute & subacute endocarditis2.66452.63683.057511,8810.09
127MedHeart failure & shock1.04081.03001.02223,5593.98
128MedDeep vein thrombophlebitis0.86390.85490.85132,8040.18
129MedCardiac arrest, unexplained31.55061.53451.57155,4980.09
130MedPeripheral vascular disorders with CC20.96450.95450.87763,2030.40
131MedPeripheral vascular disorders w/o CC20.94910.93920.58621,9730.12
132MedAtherosclerosis with CC20.91820.90870.79762,6210.09
133MedAtherosclerosis w/o CC20.85990.85100.59971,7580.02
134MedHypertension0.70490.69760.60881,9490.15
135MedCardiac congenital & valvular disorders age > 17 with CC20.99220.98190.92213,3250.05
136MedCardiac congenital & valvular disorders age > 17 w/o CC20.96740.95730.61031,9300.01
138MedCardiac arrhythmia & conduction disorders with CC20.92970.92000.85352,8621.04
139MedCardiac arrhythmia & conduction disorders w/o CC20.83030.82170.59121,8080.30
140MedAngina pectoris0.75480.74700.66891,9831.50
141MedSyncope & collapse with CC20.64750.64080.68012,2930.36
142MedSyncope & collapse w/o CC20.56800.56210.52441,5800.13
143MedChest pain0.68140.67430.55001,6110.32
144MedOther circulatory system diagnoses with CC1.12671.11501.14494,0380.37
145MedOther circulatory system diagnoses w/o CC1.00200.99160.66892,1220.03
MDC 6—Diseases and disorders of the digestive system (DRGs 146-190)
146SurgRectal resection with CC22.70822.68013.4379$12,5610.44
147SurgRectal resection w/o CC22.50872.48262.13447,3620.07
148SurgMajor small & large bowel procedures with CC22.54932.52283.237612,3593.01
149SurgMajor small & large bowel procedures w/o CC22.21542.19241.83416,4200.33
150SurgPeritoneal adhesiolysis with CC22.37462.34992.67979,8760.38
151SurgPeritoneal adhesiolysis w/o CC22.02742.00631.48855,0670.07
152SurgMinor small & large bowel procedures with CC21.48511.46971.59885,7180.09
153SurgMinor small & large bowel procedures w/o CC21.25991.24681.05663,6310.03
154SurgStomach, esophageal & duodenal procedures age > 17 with CC22.69012.66213.796115,0381.51
155SurgStomach, esophageal & duodenal procedures age > 17 w/o CC22.33362.30941.81956,3850.11
157SurgAnal & stomal procedures with CC20.79850.79020.93243,3300.17
158SurgAnal & stomal procedures w/o CC20.64080.63410.54491,5260.06
159SurgHernia procedures except inguinal & femoral age > 17 with CC20.92970.92001.14543,8280.11
160SurgHernia procedures except inguinal & femoral age > 17 w/o CC20.76760.75960.68101,9520.06
161SurgInguinal & femoral hernia procedures age > 17 with CC20.70680.69950.75412,2950.16
162SurgInguinal & femoral hernia procedures age > 17 w/o CC20.58540.57930.50041,2380.11
164SurgAppendectomy with complicated principal diag with CC21.83201.81302.40148,4820.08
165SurgAppendectomy with complicated principal diag w/o CC21.61541.59861.46754,6310.03
166SurgAppendectomy w/o complicated principal diag with CC21.43281.41791.49545,0130.02
167SurgAppendectomy w/o complicated principal diag w/o CC21.08181.07060.86512,4510.01
168SurgMouth procedures with CC20.86310.85411.40675,7720.05
169SurgMouth procedures w/o CC20.89920.88990.66892,3180.02
170SurgOther digestive system O.R. procedures with CC22.66022.63262.731611,3470.30
171SurgOther digestive system O.R. procedures w/o CC22.39762.37271.40185,0010.02
172MedDigestive malignancy with CC21.22681.21411.18614,6580.29
173MedDigestive malignancy w/o CC21.05171.04080.70492,6550.03
174MedG.I. hemorrhage with CC20.92810.91850.98783,3570.95
175MedG.I. hemorrhage w/o CC20.82360.81500.66001,9920.13
176MedComplicated peptic ulcer1.24381.23090.9964$3,4310.08
177MedUncomplicated peptic ulcer with CC20.74220.73450.78342,4340.09
178MedUncomplicated peptic ulcer w/o CC20.61410.60770.58381,6040.03
179MedInflammatory bowel disease1.01531.00481.04163,8460.06
180MedG.I. obstruction with CC20.81970.81120.91503,1840.37
181MedG.I. obstruction w/o CC20.78450.77630.54151,7120.09
182MedEsophagitis, gastroent & misc digest disorders age > 17 with CC20.61850.61210.72242,3741.19
183MedEsophagitis, gastroent & misc digest disorders age > 17 w/o CC20.56520.55930.52521,5030.28
184MedEsophagitis, gastroent & misc digest disorders age 0-170.38220.37820.42231.810(1)
185MedDental & oral dis except extractions & restorations, age > 170.66810.66120.75302,9670.03
187MedDental extractions & restorations0.39900.39490.45401,6700.01
188MedOther digestive system diagnoses age > 17 with CC20.74440.73670.91443,4240.26
189MedOther digestive system diagnoses age > 17 w/o CC20.65760.65080.49661,5460.04
190MedOther digestive system diagnoses age 0-170.33790.33440.81473,824(1)
MDC 7—Diseases and disorders of the hepatobiliary system and pancreas (DRGS 191-208)
191SurgPancreas, liver & shunt procedures with CC34.17914.13574.688120,2270.30
192SurgPancreas, liver & shunt procedures w/o CC33.91973.87903.862515,6500.07
193SurgBiliary tract proc with CC except only tot cholecyst with or w/o C.D.E.22.45132.42583.025211,7370.24
194SurgBiliary tract proc w/o CC except only tot cholecyst with or w/o C.D.E.21.98811.96741.85056,5870.03
195SurgTotal cholecystectomy with C.D.E. with CC22.16902.14652.38548.4480.43
196SurgTotal cholecystectomy with C.D.E. w/o CC22.05942.03801.68985,4880.05
197SurgTotal cholecystectomy w/o C.D.E. with CC21.48681.47141.87686,3060.82
198SurgTotal cholecystectomy w/o C.D.E. w/o CC21.27521.26191.11523,4250.28
199SurgHepatobiliary diagnostic procedure for malignancy2.45742.43192.26938,4760.06
200SurgHepatobiliary diagnostic procedure for non-malignancy2.58182.55502.47319,9280.04
201SurgOther hepatobiliary or pancreas O.R. procedures2.72912.70072.39339,9820.10
202MedCirrhosis & alcoholic hepatitis1.19651.18411.20754,4770.13
203MedMalignancy of hepatobiliary system or pancreas1.09371.08231.04224,1390.26
204MedDisorders of pancreas except malignancy0.96820.95811.02693,6220.26
205MedDisorders of liver except malig, cirr, alc hepa with CC21.08221.07101.21324,5040.18
206MedDisorders of liver except malig, cirr, alc hepa w/o CC20.92470.91510.68062,1730.01
207MedDisorders of the biliary tract with CC20.84920.84040.92433,0630.23
208MedDisorders of the biliary tract w/o CC20.73150.72390.58161,6790.06
MDC 8—Disease and disorders of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue (DRGs 209-256, 471)
209SurgMajor joint & limb reattachment procedures32.29122.26742.4145$8,5603.69
210SurgHip & femur procedures except major joint age > 17 with CC22.08332.06172.17767,9681.59
211SurgHip & femur procedures except major joint age > 17 w/o CC21.95301.93271.61045,5940.51
213SurgAmputation for musculoskeletal system & conn tissue disorders2.13152.10941.84607,3080.08
214SurgBack & neck procedures with CC21.84271.82362.13858,3200.49
215SurgBack & neck procedures w/o CC21.49201.47651.37684,8440.33
216SurgBiopsies of musculoskeletal system & connective tissue1.55961.54341.59736,8490.07
217SurgWnd debrid & skin grft except hand, for muscskelet & conn tiss dis2.28242.25872.815512,5920.37
218SurgLower extrem & humer proc except hip, foot, femur age > 17 with CC21.42501.41021.62245,8970.16
219SurgLower extrem & humer proc except hip, foot, femur age > 17 w/o CC21.07901.06781.01863,3800.12
221SurgKnee procedures with CC21.27271.25951.45235,6160.05
222SurgKnee procedures w/o CC20.98970.97940.79952,6310.04
223SurgMajor shoulder/elbow proc, or other upper extremity proc with CC31.07231.06121.12023,7680.12
224SurgShoulder, elbow or forearm proc, exc major joint proc, w/o CC30.89520.88590.65881,9160.03
225SurgFoot procedures0.64760.64090.67752,4050.07
226SurgSoft tissue procedures with CC20.79840.79011.35705,3280.05
227SurgSoft tissue procedures w/o CC20.63370.62710.68782,1980.04
228SurgMajor thumb or joint proc, or oth hand or wrist proc with CC30.36260.55880.82012,7580.03
229SurgHand or wrist proc, except major joint proc, w/o CC30.59980.59360.52021,5590.01
230SurgLocal excision & removal of int fix devices of hip & femur1.35941.34530.88682,9770.02
231SurgLocal excision & removal of int fix devices except hip & femur0.95190.94200.83463,3660.05
232SurgArthroscopy0.60630.60000.86033,441(1)
233SurgOther musculoskelet sys & conn tiss O.R. proc with CC21.77371.75551.72676,5440.08
234SurgOther musculoskelet sys & conn tiss O.R. proc w/o CC21.24541.23250.90573,0000.03
235MedFractures of femur1.75861.74051.20604,8170.07
236MedFractures of hip & pelvis1.38551.37110.90363,2350.27
237MedSprains, strains, & dislocations of hip, pelvis & thigh0.79290.78470.59591,9120.01
238MedOsteomyelitis1.55111.53501.65796,2890.07
239MedPathological fractures & musculoskeletal & conn tiss malignancy1.09791.08650.95503,6230.44
240MedConnective tissue disorders with CC20.97090.96081.09324,3060.10
241MedConnective tissue disorders w/o CC20.90480.89540.66442,3840.03
242MedSeptic arthritis1.58801.57151.41005,0720.02
243MedMedical back problems0.75510.74730.66942,1560.56
244MedBone diseases & specific arthropathies with CC20.77920.77110.73052,7050.06
245MedBone diseases & specific arthropathies w/o CC20.71770.71020.53451,7510.03
246MedNon-specific arthropathies0.71470.70730.57692,0200.01
247MedSigns & symptoms of musculoskeletal system & conn tissue0.65590.64910.54072,2420.05
248MedTendonitis, myositis & bursitis0.61360.60720.60972,1030.03
249MedAftercare, musculoskeletal system & connective tissue1.02031.00970.68302,7900.03
250MedFx, sprn, strn & disl of forearm, hand, foot age > 17 with CC20.74280.73510.67212,3000.02
251MedFx, sprn, strn & disl of forearm, hand, foot age > 17 w/o CC20.59640.59020.41481,1330.01
253MedFx, sprn, strn & disl of uparm, lowleg ex foot age > 17 with CC20.74660.73880.79092,8190.09
254MedFx, sprn, strn & disl of uparm, lowleg ex foot age > 17 w/o CC20.62580.61930.45571,3620.04
256MedOther musculoskeletal system & connective tissue diagnoses0.87060.86160.65852,5230.05
MDC 9—Diseases and disorders of the skin, subcutaneous tissue and breast (DRGs 257-284)
257SurgTotal mastectomy for malignancy with CC21.10851.09701.0448$3,4280.20
258SurgTotal mastectomy for malignancy w/o CC21.07291.06180.84622,6090.17
259SurgSubtotal mastectomy for malignancy with CC21.01411.00361.00463,8780.03
260SurgSubtotal mastectomy for malignancy w/o CC20.93250.92280.60101,9490.02
261SurgBreast proc for non-malignancy except biopsy & local excision0.73290.72530.62041,8740.02
262SurgBreast biopsy & local excision for non-malignancy0.46170.45690.43121,1760.01
263SurgSkin graft &/or debrid for skn ulcer or cellulitis with CC22.47372.44802.596710,9280.66
264SurgSkin graft &/or debrid for skn ulcer or cellulitis w/o CC22.20312.18021.61796,3280.09
265SurgSkin graft &/or debrid except for skin ulcer or cellulitis with CC31.49591.48041.39095,6390.06
266SurgSkin graft &/or debrid except for skin ulcer or cellulitis w/o CC30.94850.93860.68652,3380.03
267SurgPerianal & pilonidal procedures0.61130.60490.62482,099(1)
268SurgSkin, subcutaneous tissue & breast plastic procedures0.53880.53320.59342,1920.01
269Other skin, subcut tiss & breast procedure with CC20.99470.98441.51776,2500.13
270Other skin, subcut tiss & breast procedure w/o CC20.81230.80390.68342,3900.03
271MedSkin ulcers1.38021.36591.20174,4710.17
272MedMajor skin disorders with CC20.86200.85301.03753,9210.06
273MedMajor skin disorders w/o CC20.82860.82000.72472,5210.02
274MedMalignant breast disorders with CC21.01081.00031.04944,0630.04
275MedMalignant breast disorders w/o CC20.90140.89200.63952,497(1)
276MedNon-malignant breast disorders0.60660.60030.52451,804(1)
277MedCellulitis age > 17 with CC20.88630.87710.96953,4170.40
278MedCellulitis age > 17 w/o CC20.80960.80120.70632,2730.13
280MedTrauma to the skin, subcut tiss & breast age > 17 with CC20.62010.61370.61971,9930.05
281MedTrauma to the skin, subcut tiss & breast age > 17 w/o CC20.53770.53210.43061,2170.02
283MedMinor skin disorders with CC20.63940.63280.76822,7960.04
284MedMinor skin disorders w/o CC20.59710.59090.47951,6160.01
MDC 10—Endocrine, nutritional and metabolic diseases and disorders (DRGs 285-301)
285SurgAmputat of lower limb for endocrine, nutrit, & metabol disorders2.86582.83602.991912,6520.10
286SurgAdrenal & pituitary procedures2.89522.86512.706311,2050.03
287SurgSkin grafts & wound debrid for endoc, nutrit, & metabol disorders2.81432.78512.22749,2160.14
288SurgO.R. procedures for obesity1.56951.55322.00187,4730.01
289SurgParathyroid procedures1.37361.35931.14704,3650.03
290SurgThyroid procedures0.85490.84600.84282,7400.05
291SurgThyroglossal procedures0.49090.48580.49911,185(1)
292SurgOther endocrine, nutrit & metabol O.R. proc with CC22.03072.00962.602711,0560.12
293SurgOther endocrine, nutrit & metabol O.R. proc w/o CC21.49511.47961.16984,4920.01
294MedDiabetes age > 350.80870.80030.74932,5720.53
295MedDiabetes age 0-350.74570.73800.72282,6550.02
296MedNutritional & misc metabolic disorders age > 17 with CC20.89790.88860.92593,4031.35
297MedNutritional & misc metabolic disorders age > 17 w/o CC20.79230.78410.57911,8670.21
298MedNutritional & misc metabolic disorders age 0-170.75380.74600.70652,853(1)
299MedInborn errors of metabolism0.94070.93090.82713,0820.01
300MedEndocrine disorders with CC20.97310.96301.08624,1600.09
301MedEndocrine disorders w/o CC20.81430.80580.67582,2180.01
MDC 11—Diseases and disorders of the kidney and urinary tract (DRGS 302-333)
302SurgKidney transplant6.63224.18403.8463$28,8370.36
303SurgKidney, ureter & major bladder procedures for neoplasm2.53972.51332.774710,7570.36
304SurgKidney, ureter & major bladder proc for non-neopl with CC21.79521.77652.36519,9430.29
305SurgKidney, ureter & major bladder proc for non-neopl w/o CC21.70431.68661.36654,9160.06
306SurgProstatectomy with CC21.13991.12811.43765,1210.13
307SurgProstatectomy w/o CC20.95130.94140.91212,7910.03
308SurgMinor bladder procedures with CC21.04411.03331.53545,9180.10
309SurgMinor bladder procedures w/o CC20.92900.91930.86202,7140.02
310SurgTransurethral procedures with CC20.70710.69980.90263,1470.22
311SurgTransurethral procedures w/o CC20.58710.58100.56811,6540.09
312SurgUrethral procedures, age > 17 with CC20.74240.73470.82462,8710.03
313SurgUrethral procedures, age > 17 w/o CC20.68970.68250.52861,5340.01
315SurgOther kidney & urinary tract O.R. procedures2.48842.46252.363510,3480.60
316MedRenal failure31.33141.31761.28404,6920.39
317MedAdmit for renal dialysis30.23850.23600.35421,5580.01
318MedKidney & urinary tract neoplasms with CC20.91420.90471.04413,8910.06
319MedKidney & urinary tract neoplasms w/o CC20.79420.78590.57771,9520.01
320MedKidney & urinary tract infectons age > 17 with CC20.81230.80391.02303,6021.09
321MedKidney & urinary tract infections age > 17 w/o CC20.68030.67320.73162,2900.18
322MedKidney & urinary tract infections age 0-170.45530.45060.68293,205(1)
323MedUrinary stones with CC, &/or ESW lithotripsy30.71310.70570.70202,3030.12
324MedUrinary stones w/o CC20.54720.54150.51391,2990.04
325MedKidney & urinary tract signs & symptoms age > 17 with CC20.72470.71720.67892,4160.05
326MedKidney & urinary tract signs & symptoms age > 17 w/o CC20.58750.58140.45531,3830.01
328MedUrethral stricture age > 17 with CC20.65080.64400.62661,9640.01
329MedUrethral stricture age > 17 w/o CC20.53260.52710.44311,172(1)
331MedOther kidney & urinary tract diagnoses age > 17 with CC20.89190.88260.90503,4970.19
332MedOther kidney & urinary tract diagnoses age > 17 w/o CC20.77630.76820.59132,0820.04
333MedOther kidney & urinary tract diagnoses age 0-170.51460.50930.68873,730(1)
MDC 12—Diseases and disorders of the male reproductive system (DRGs 334-352)
334SurgMajor male pelvic procedures with CC1.56121.54501.9237$6,9320.16
335SurgMajor male pelvic procedures w/o CC1.35901.34491.40804,9280.09
336SurgTransurethral prostatectomy with CC21.00790.99741.07743,5330.75
337SurgTransurethral prostatectomy w/o CC20.84910.84030.75052,2480.48
338SurgTestes procedures, for malignancy0.90690.89750.78652,7860.06
339SurgTestes procedures, non-malignancy age > 170.60930.60300.59301,8980.02
341SurgPenis procedures0.99830.98791.02943,3970.11
342SurgCircumcision age > 170.42280.41840.4941,672(1)
344SurgOther male reproductive system O.R. procedures for malignancy1.12041.10881.13023,9650.03
345SurgOther male reproductive system O.R. proc except for malignancy0.83340.82470.82842,7710.01
346MedMalignancy, male reproductive system, with CC20.93950.92970.93603,3040.06
347MedMalignancy, male reproductive system, w/o CC20.83040.82180.50911,5820.01
348MedBenign prostatic hypertrophy with CC20.88640.87720.65882,2520.02
349MedBenign prostatic hypertrophy w/o CC20.69980.69250.40591,1470.01
350MedInflammation of the male reproductive system0.60960.60330.67342,1260.04
352MedOther male reproductive system diagnoses0.63850.63190.48861,754(1)
MDC 13—Diseases and disorders of the female reproductive system (DRGs 353-369)
353SurgPelvic evisceration, radical hysterectomy & radical vulvectomy1.93761.91752.299710,2160.05
354SurgUterine, adnexa proc for non-ovarian/adnexal malig with CC31.11081.09931.54825,8820.09
355SurgUterine, adnexa proc for non-ovarian/adnexal malig w/o CC31.01561.00500.99293,3080.05
356SurgFemale reproductive system reconstructive procedures0.84600.83720.79832,4400.15
357SurgUterine & adnexa proc for ovarian or adnexal malig31.91881.89892.15918,5310.11
358SurgUterine & adnexa proc for non-malignancy with CC31.08901.07771.29414,3740.15
359SurgUterine & adnexa proc for non-malignancy W/O CC30.42790.42350.90252,7330.16
360SurgVagina, cervix & vulva procedures0.59850.59230.69572,8820.03
361SurgLaparoscopy & incisional tubal interruption30.48640.48130.64423,340(1)
362SurgEndoscopic tubal interruption30.31260.30940.40951,004(1)
363SurgD&C, conization & radio-implant, for malignancy0.65160.64480.65972,5360.02
364SurgD&C, conization except for malignancy0.40280.39860.42621,3260.01
365SurgOther female reproductive system O.R. procedures1.79651.77781.90607,3000.05
366MedMalignancy, female reproductive system with CC20.84440.83561.09164,3440.05
367MedMalignancy, female reproductive system w/o CC20.57860.57260.54812,0990.01
368MedInfections, female reproductive system0.79440.78610.83083,0510.01
369MedMenstrual & other female reproductive system disorders0.69590.68870.49201,5820.01
MDC 14—Pregnancy, childbirth and the puerperium (DRGs 370-384)
370SurgCaesarean section with CC0.99120.98091.0303$4,198(1)
371SurgCaesarean section w/o CC0.75350.74570.71642,311(1)
372MedVaginal delivery with complicating diagnoses0.55340.54760.49271,959(1)
373MedVaginal delivery w/o complicating diagnoses0.40630.40210.3212907(1)
374SurgVaginal delivery with sterilization &/or D&C0.54920.54350.56411,548(1)
376MedPostpartum & post abortion diagnoses w/o O.R. procedure30.41580.41150.35201,762(1)
378MedEctopic pregnancy0.80940.80100.77872,666(1)
379MedThreatened abortion0.31690.31360.28431,064(1)
380MedAbortion w/o D&C0.27050.26770.3124529(1)
381SurgAbortion with D&C, aspiration curettage or hysterotomy30.36020.35650.36941,302(1)
382MedFalse labor0.18420.18230.1309361(1)
383MedOther antepartum diagnoses with medical complications0.43170.42720.39641,981(1)
384MedOther antepartum diagnoses w/o medical complications0.32450.32110.35121,181(1)
MDC 16—Diseases and disorders of the blood and blood forming organs and immunological disorders (DRGs 392-399)
392SurgSplenectomy age > 172.77462.74583.525214,4460.08
394SurgOther O.R. Procedures of the blood and blood forming organs1.11461.10301.22505,0530.02
395MedRed blood cell disorders age > 170.78390.77580.72642,5660.38
396MedRed blood cell disorders age 0-170.62950.62300.34412,062(1)
397MedCoagulation disorders0.98630.97611.01453,8440.08
398MedReticuloendothelial & immunity disorders with CC20.89000.88081.21154,6220.12
399MedReticuloendothelial & immunity disorders w/o CC20.84590.83710.68302,4220.01
MDC 17—Myeloproliferative diseases and disorders, and poorly differentiated neoplasms (DRGs 400-414, 473)
400SurgLymphoma & leukemia with major O.R. procedure2.82722.79782.6900$11,0990.18
401SurgLymphoma & non-acute leukemia with other O.R. proc with CC21.24091.22802.08718,8870.12
402SurgLymphoma & non-acute leukemia with other O.R. proc w/o CC21.13161.11980.92523,3310.02
403MedLymphoma & non-acute leukemia with CC21.17151.15931.52226,2590.31
404MedLymphoma & non-acute leukemia w/o CC21.17871.16650.80852,9960.05
406SurgMyeloprolif disord or poorly diff neopl with maj O.R. proc with CC2.26712.24352.714611,2840.10
407SurgMyeloprolif disord or poorly diff neopl with maj O.R. proc w/o CC2.13662.11441.44995,0280.02
408SurgMyeloprolif disord or poorly diff neopl with other O.R. proc31.13891.12710.89553,7770.08
409MedRadiotherapy0.81340.80491.08024,5120.08
410MedChemotherapy0.35270.34900.47421,8760.53
411MedHistory of malignancy w/o endoscopy0.72210.71460.49191,682(1)
412MedHistory of malignancy with endoscopy0.34000.33650.39541,123(1)
413MedOther myeloprolif dis or poorly diff neopl diag with CC21.09751.08611.23854,8670.10
414MedOther myeloprolif dis or poorly diff neopl diag w/o CC21.03591.02510.81282,9070.02
473Acute leukemia w/o major O.R. procedure age > 1742.710712,6350.22
MDC 18—Infectious and parasitic diseases (systemic or unspecified sites) (DRGs 415-423)
415SurgO.R. procedure for infectious & parasitic diseases3.00272.97153.506714,9470.75
416MedSeptecemia age > 171.55041.53431.58945,7261.30
417MedSeptecemia age 0-170.71520.70780.93464,576(1)
418MedPostoperative & post-traumatic infections0.99680.98640.97433,7360.09
419MedFever of unknown origin age > 17 with CC20.86280.85380.97783,4060.11
420MedFever of unknown origin age > 17 w/o CC20.80220.79390.69492,2420.02
421MedViral illness age > 170.60450.59820.62552,0160.06
422MedViral illness & fever of unknown origin age 0-170.43600.43150.62743,102(1)
423MedOther infectious & parasitic diseases diagnoses1.21071.19811.53335,8950.08
MDC 19—Mental diseases and disorders (DRGs 424-432)
424SurgO.R. procedure with principal diagnoses of mental illness2.19382.17102.2176$8,9390.10
425MedAcute adjust react & disturbances of psychosocial dysfunction0.68120.67410.60042,2920.09
426MedDepressive neuroses0.94950.93960.65802,8060.10
427MedNeuroses except depressive0.76780.75980.63152,9330.03
428MedDisorders of personality & impulse control0.97410.96400.73053,4520.02
429MedOrganic disturbances & mental retardation0.95230.94240.88683,7910.35
430MedPsychoses1.09341.08200.93294,4861.59
431MedChildhood mental disorders2.25192.22850.71342,693(1)
432MedOther mental disorder diagnoses1.05251.04160.70973,7110.01
MDC 20—Alcohol/drug use and alcohol/drug induced organic mental disorders (DRGs 433-437)
433Alcohol/drug abuse or dependence, left AMA30.44570.44110.42321,4010.01
434Alc/drug abuse or dependence, detox or other sympt trt with CC31.04041.02960.81492,9690.11
435Alc/drug abuse or dependence, detox or other sympt trt w/o CC31.07381.06260.59032,1870.07
436Alc/drug dependence with rehabilitation therapy30.88530.87610.97883,7770.03
437Alc/drug dependence, combined rehab & detox therapy30.61830.61191.33064,8970.10
438No longer valid30.84200.83330.000000.00
MDC 21—Injuries, poisonings and toxic effect of drugs (DRGs 439-455)
439SurgSkin grafts for injuries1.82191.80301.75237,3580.02
440SurgWound debridements for injuries1.48071.46532.249810,1870.16
441SurgHand procedures for injuries0.71800.71050.71852,5220.01
442SurgOther O.R. procedures for injuries with CC21.90261.88281.92188,2640.75
443SurgOther O.R. procedures for injuries w/o CC21.52111.50531.21694,5300.13
444MedMultiple trauma age > 17 with CC20.88300.87380.82072,6900.02
445MedMultiple trauma age > 17 w/o CC20.75300.74520.51831,6400.01
447MedAllergic reactions age > 170.47850.47350.47031,4840.01
449MedPoisoning & toxic effects of drugs age > 17 with CC30.73310.72550.79222,8340.19
450MedPoisoning & toxic effects of drugs age > 17 w/o CC30.59570.58950.49171,5380.03
452MedComplications of treatment with CC20.84920.84040.89763,5540.18
453MedComplications of treatment w/o CC20.90200.89260.51371,8780.04
454MedOther injury, poisoning & toxic eff diag with CC20.82240.81390.90673,1990.04
455MedOther injury, poisoning & toxic eff diag w/o CC20.61850.61210.46921,263(1)
MDC 22—Burns (DRGs 456-460, 472)
456Burns, transferred to another acute care facility2.09022.06851.9811$14,1070.01
457MedExtensive burns w/o O.R. procedure36.86316.79182.531714,8150.01
458SurgNon-extensive burns with skin graft2.85722.82753.711318,4500.08
459SurgNon-extensive bums with wound debridement or other O.R. proc2.75682.72821.79648,3990.02
460MedNon-extensive burns w/o O.R. procedure1.42251.40771.04953,9110.02
472SurgExtensive burns with O.R. procedure410.729665,0020.04
MDC 23—Factors influencing health status and other contacts with health services (DRGs 461-467)
461SurgO.R. proc with diagnoses of other contact with health services1.65071.63350.71984,7050.09
462MedRehabilitation1.82681.80781.75178,2831.27
463MedSigns & symptoms with CC0.77020.76220.76332,7160.06
464MedSigns & symptoms w/o CC0.73220.72460.47401,4610.01
465MedAftercare with history of malignancy as secondary diagnosis0.20710.20490.31721,193(1)
466MedAftercare w/o history of malignancy as secondary diagnosis0.63770.63110.53832,0460.02
467MedOther factors influencing health status0.97990.96970.47231,6350.02
DRGs not assigned to an MDC
468Extensive O.R. procedure unrelated to principal diagnosis32.10372.08182.467910,6632.53
4695Principal diagnosis invalid as discharge diagnosis0.00000.00000.000000.00
4705Ungroupable0.00000.00000.00001,124(1)
476Prostatic O.R. procedure unrelated to principal diagnosis42.22258,7960.05
477Non-extensive O.R. procedure unrelated to principal diagnosis41.37635,7240.10

Percent of total program payments less than 0.005.

Age factor eliminated or changed effective in fiscal year 1988.

DRG definitions altered.

Indicates DRG not applicable in 1983 or 1985. New DRG effective dates: DRG 471 (October 1, 1985), DRGs 472, 473 (October 1, 1986), DRGs 474, 475 (October 1, 1987), DRGs 476, 477 (October 1,1988), DRGs 478-490 (October 1, 1990), DRG 109 (October 1, 1990). DRG 438 no longer valid (October 1, 1985).

DRGs contain cases which could not be assigned to valid DRGs.

NOTES: Relative weights are based on Medicare patient data and may not be appropriate for other patients. DRGs not applicable to Medicare beneficiaries and DRGs with fewer than 50 discharges for each of the years 1983, 1985, and 1988 are not presented in this table. To calculate the average program payments, the discharges with zero program payments were excluded. MDC 15—newborns and other neonates with conditions originating in the perinatal period (DRGs 385-391)—is not generally applicable and has been excluded. To compare changes in the 1983 and 1988 definitions, please refer to the Federal Register, Vol. 48, No. 171, 39876-39886. Thursday, September 1, 1983, Rules and Regulations.

SOURCES: Department of Health and Human Services, Health Care Financing Administration; Federal Register, Vol 48, No. 171, 39876-39886. Thursday, September 1, 1983; Federal Register, Vol. 49, No. 171, 34780-34790. Friday, August 31, 1984; (Federal Register, 1987).

Diagnosis-related group assignment

Medicare has the legal responsibility, while the hospitals have a financial incentive, to continually refine the methods by which the DRG assignment is made because the DRG assignment, to a large degree, determines the Medicare payment to hospitals under PPS. If the hospital spends more on the care of the patient than is reimbursed under PPS, it suffers a financial loss. Conversely, the hospital profits when the inpatient care is delivered at a cost that is less than the amount reimbursed by Medicare. The assignment of a DRG code for a Medicare claim begins with the patient's discharge from the hospital. Following the discharge, the attending physician first prepares a narrative on the principal diagnosis, secondary diagnoses, and any surgical procedures; and second, signs an attestation certifying the correctness of these statements. The principal diagnosis is defined in the Uniform Hospital Discharge Data Set as the “condition established after study to be chiefly responsible for occasioning the admission of the patient to the hospital for care.” Using the International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM), the hospital's medical coding staff then enters the ICD-9-CM codes for as many as five diagnoses and three procedures for each claim. The ICD-9-CM uses a three-to-five-digit code to classify diseases by diagnosis and a two-to-four-digit code to describe surgical procedures. Next, the fiscal intermediary chosen by the hospital reviews and approves the claim and uses the ICD-9-CM codes to assign a DRG code. As described in the Federal Register (1987a), “The intermediary enters the information into its claims system and subjects it to a series of automated screens called the Medicare Code Editor (MCE). These screens are designed to identify cases that require further review before classification into a DRG can be accomplished. After screening through the MCE and any further development of the claims, cases are classified by a computer program called the Grouper into the appropriate DRG.” To determine DRG assignment under PPS, each principal diagnosis is first classified into one of the 23 mutually exclusive major diagnostic categories (MDCs) defined in the ICD-9-CM. (Because of the small number of discharges and the lack of general applicability to the Medicare population, MDC 15 (Newborns and other neonates with conditions originating in perinatal period) has been eliminated from the tables in this article). The MDCs are related to one or more of the human body systems, with the exception of MDC 23. MDC 23 includes principal diagnoses for factors influencing health status and other contacts with health services (such as ill-defined medical conditions like edema, pallor, and debility), annual physical examinations, and the administration of vaccines. MDCs related to more than one body system are MDC 18 (Infections and parasitic diseases, systemic or unspecified sites) and MDC 22 (Burns). A physician panel developed MDCs to ensure that DRGs are clinically coherent. For example, principal diagnoses denoting heart diseases or conditions are generally assigned to MDC 5 (Diseases and disorders of the circulatory system), which encompasses DRGs 103-145. An exception to a normal MDC 5 coding classification, however, could be a record showing a principal diagnosis of heart failure and a surgical procedure of cholecystectomy. Because the cholecystectomy is unrelated to the principal diagnosis, the record will be assigned to DRG 468 (Operating room procedure unrelated to principal diagnosis). Most of the MDCs are partitioned into surgical (operating room procedures) or medical categories because this partition captures clinical differences that translate into significant resource use differences (Table 1). In classifying Medicare patient cases, the Grouper uses clinical diagnoses, major medical or surgical procedures, demographic data, complications or comorbidity, and status at discharge. Although there is some variation among patients within a DRG, there should be an overall similarity across patients in the same DRG. The DRG system, therefore, should provide equitable payments, in that comparable resource consumption should be comparably reimbursed. In terms of characteristics and objectives, the DRG system was designed according to the following criteria: The DRG must be medically interpretable and clinically sensible. The DRG should be delineated by using variables that are easily obtained from hospital abstracts. DRGs should be a manageable number of groups (no more than 500) that are both exhaustive and mutually exclusive. DRGs should consist of patients who use a similar type and amount of hospital resources. Once a particular DRG is assigned to the discharge record, that DRG is assigned a relative weight that reflects the intensity of hospital resources used for the average patient in that DRG. The intensity factor is reduced to a cost factor. Thus, cases with a relative weight of 2.0 would, on average, cost twice as much to treat as the average case for the average hospital. For example, in fiscal year 1988, DRG 103 (Heart transplant) had a higher relative weight (11.9225) than did any other DRG. DRG relative weights are calculated by analyzing the most current applicable Medicare charge data. The Secretary of Health and Human Services was mandated by Congress in the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1986 (Public Law 99-509) to annually adjust the DRG weights to reflect changes in factors that affect the intensity of hospital resource utilization. The Prospective Payment Assessment Commission was established by Congress to consult with the Secretary, to make recommendations on the need for adjustments to the Medicare DRGs, and to report to Congress on its evaluation of adjustments made by the Secretary. The DRG system is, therefore, a fluid system. As more data are collected and as medical technology advances, the DRGs will be reviewed and revised as mandated by Congress. There were 470 DRGs in fiscal year 1983 and 477 DRGs in fiscal year 1988. More detailed information on DRG development can be found in Diagnosis Related Groups, Fourth Revision, Definitions Manual 1988. Not all DRGs are applicable to Medicare patients, and such DRGs are excluded from Tables 1 and 2. In addition, for purposes of this article, DRGs with fewer than 50 cases in each of the study years were excluded from the tables. Therefore, a total of 44 DRGs are excluded. As stated previously, MDC 15 has been eliminated in its entirety.

Prospective payment system payment mechanism

PPS is designed to cover all Medicare inpatient operating costs, which include the costs of routine, ancillary, and special care services. On the other hand, capital expenditures, direct medical education costs, and beneficiary bad debts are reimbursed separately from PPS payments. PPS payments to hospitals are based on four major components: DRG relative weights, a national average payment amount, hospital adjustments, and outlier payments. Thus, payments per discharge differ among hospitals because of these adjustments. The PPS payment per discharge, thereby, may be expressed by the formula: where The DRG weight is an index number (based on total charges) that reflects the relative cost, across all hospitals, of treating cases classified in each DRG. The standardized payment amount is the national average hospital cost per Medicare discharge standardized for urban and rural differences. Outlier payment adjustments are made for cases that involve extraordinarily long hospital stays or very high costs relative to the average for a particular DRG. The hospital adjustments reflect factors such as indirect medical education and disproportionate share of low-income patients and are specific to each hospital.

Selected data highlights

Summary of short-stay hospital utilization

For short-stay hospital inpatient services rendered to Medicare beneficiaries, data presented in Table 1 provide a means of comparing changes during the study period in the number of discharges, rank order, and ALOS. Data are arranged by DRG within MDC, providing a base for measuring and analyzing the impact of PPS as related to shifts in DRG and MDC assignment and utilization. MDC 15 has been excluded from the study (see Table 1 footnotes). Utilization trends and patterns in Medicare short-stay hospital inpatient services have shown substantial changes since the implementation of PPS. Coinciding with the introduction of PPS, the number of short-stay hospital discharges declined for the first time in the history of the Medicare program. There was a 10.5 percent decline in the number of annual discharges from 1983 (11.55 million) to 1985 (10.33 million). From 1985 to 1988, the number of discharges declined further (0.8 percent), dropping to 10.26 million discharges. The reasons for the shifts in the DRG data in Tables 1 and 2 are often complex and difficult to interpret. For example, the shifts within a single DRG or MDC may be attributed solely to one factor or to a combination of several factors that are not always readily apparent. To illustrate, the ICD-9-CM procedure codes that are taken from one DRG and transferred into another DRG will cause a decrease in the number of discharges for the one DRG and a corresponding increase in discharges for the DRG(s) into which the procedure codes are finally established. In addition, about 185 (39 percent) of the 477 DRGs for 1988 were redefined solely by the removal of age restrictions, such as “under age 70” or “over age 69”. Certainly this refinement (by removal of age factors) will affect the number of cases shifting from one DRG to another. Advancement in medical or scientific technology is another factor that can influence the shifts in the DRGs. As advances in medical technology are made and accepted as good medical practice, the technology is considered for coverage under Medicare. Some of these Medicare-approved technologies, the DRGs affected by the new coverage, and the corresponding effective dates of coverage are: Heart transplants (DRG 103); October 17, 1986. Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (DRGs 323 and 324); March 15, 1985. Ambulatory or 24-hour electroencephalographic monitoring (DRGs 24, 25, 26, et al.); June 12, 1984. Serologic testing for acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (could be in any of several DRGs, depending on the principal diagnosis); August 12, 1987. Automatic cardiodefibrillators (DRGs 104 and 105); January 24, 1986. 24-hour ambulatory esophageal pH monitoring (probably will not affect any specific DRG); June 11, 1985. Intraoperative ventricular mapping (probably will not affect any specific DRG); October 29, 1984. The differences in the assignment of DRGs from one year to the next may best be identified and interpreted through information presented in the Federal Register. In any given year of publication (approximately September 1), the section of the Register is titled “Medicare Program: Changes in the DRG Classification System.”

Number of discharges

Specific to major diagnostic categories

Among the 22 MDCs included in this article, 12 MDCs experienced a decline in the number of discharges reported during the study period 1983-88. The most notable decline (83 percent) in the number of discharges was recorded for MDC 2 (Diseases and disorders of the eye), which dropped from 554,475 discharges in 1983 to 94,440 in 1988. Within MDC 2, the greatest decline was shown for DRG 39 (Lens procedures with or without vitrectomy). The number of discharges for DRG 39 dropped 94 percent from 1983 through 1988, declining from 438,675 to 26,655. DRG 47 (Other disorders of the eye, over age 17, without CC—meaning complication or comorbidity) also experienced a very large relative decline (91 percent) from 1983 (33,680 discharges) to 1988 (2,975 discharges). Some of these declines may be the result of shifts in the site of treatment; for example, by treating more patients on an outpatient basis. On the other hand, MDC 20 (Alcohol/drug use and alcohol/drug induced organic mental disorders) displayed a very large increase (342 percent) in the number of discharges reported in 1983 (12,220) and 1988 (54,065). Within MDC 20, significant increases in the number of discharges were reported for three DRGs: DRG 433—Alcohol/drug abuse or dependency, left against medical advice (1,567 percent). DRG 435—Alcohol/drug abuse or dependency detoxification or other symptomatic treatment without CC (1,493 percent). DRG 434—Alcohol/drug abuse or dependency, detoxification or other symptomatic treatment with CC (1,168 percent). These shifts may be related, in part, to policy and legislative changes. It was not until October 1, 1987 that the units and hospitals treating drug and alcohol disorders began to be covered under PPS. The huge increases shown in the 1988 data for MDC 20 reflect this new coverage and the reconfiguration of MDC 20 (Alcohol/drug use and alcohol/drug induced mental disorders). (Federal Register, 1987b.)

Discharges specific to diagnosis-related groups

During the selected calendar years (1983, 1985, and 1988), 5 DRGs consistently appeared in the 10 most frequently reported DRGs and accounted for about 14 to 18 percent of all Medicare discharges (Table 1). In both 1985 and 1988, two of the five (DRG 127 and DRG 140) ranked first and second, respectively. The five DRGs were: DRG 127—Heart failure and shock. DRG 140—Angina pectoris. DRG 14—Specific cerebrovascular disorders, except transient ischemic attack. DRG 89—Simple pneumonia and pleurisy, over age 17, with CC. DRG 182—Esophagitis, gastroenteritis, and miscellaneous digestive disorders, over age 17, with CC. Approximately 57 percent of all DRGs shown in Table 1 experienced a decline in the number of discharges from 1983–85, reflecting the national trend in Medicare utilization. From 1985-88, about 54 percent of all DRGs showed a drop in discharges. The most notable decline in the number of discharges during the study period 1983-88 was recorded for DRG 467 (Other factors influencing health status). DRG 467 dropped in rank order from 16th position in 1983 (150,035 discharges) to 252nd position in 1988 (5,365 discharges). These changes reflect improvement in the medical coding specificity and the annual recalibration of DRG weights. For example, only about 50 of the nearly 450 diagnoses listed for DRG 467 are considered by the Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA) to be appropriate choices as a principal diagnosis, yet the inappropriate codes continued to be used by hospitals. To emphasize the importance of medical coding specificity, HCFA changed the Grouper edits to reject the inappropriate principal diagnoses, provided to the hospitals additional medical coding advice and instruction on specificity, initiated a 100-percent review by the peer review organizations, and lowered significantly the relative weight for DRG 467 (Table 2). Consequently, many cases that previously had been assigned to DRG 467 shifted to an unknown number of alternative DRGs, taking from DRG 467 those cases that are more resource-intensive and that translate into financial gain for the hospitals. On the other hand, PPS has affected the inpatient hospital industry by making it apparent that a more prudent use of hospital resources could be accomplished by treating many patients on an outpatient basis. Some DRGs that were probably affected by moving the locus of treatment from the inpatient to the outpatient setting were: DRG 39—Lens procedures with or without vitrectomy—decreased 93.9 percent (dropping from 3rd position in DRG rank order in 1983, to 94th position in 1988) from 438,675 to 26,655 discharges, respectively. DRG 47—Other disorders of the eye, over age 17, without CC—decreased 91.2 percent, with discharges numbering 33,680 in 1983 and 2,975 in 1988. DRG 6—Carpal tunnel release—dropped from 13,700 discharges in 1983 to 1,555 in 1988, a decrease of 88.6 percent. DRG 187—Dental extractions and restorations— dropped 78.0 percent (from 7,765 discharges in 1983 to 1,690 in 1988). In contrast, the largest increase (14,144 percent) in the number of discharges (rising from 180 in 1983 to 27,775 in 1988) was recorded for DRG 359 (Uterine and adnexal procedure for non-malignancy without CC). The rank order of frequency of discharges for DRG 359 changed significantly, rising from 404th position in 1983 to 88th in 1988. The shifts in DRG 359 may be attributed to a combination of factors: DRG 359 had been redefined four times since 1983, and 57 additional ICD-9-CM procedures were shifted into DRG 359. Also, the four ICD-9-CM procedures that had been listed originally for DRG 359 were shifted into other DRGs (Federal Register, 1986).

Average length of stay

Major diagnostic categories

Among the 22 MDCs shown in Table 1, 20 showed a drop in ALOS during the study period. The largest decline in ALOS between 1983 and 1988 was registered for MDC 12 (Diseases and disorders of the male reproductive system) and MDC 17 (Myeloproliferative diseases and disorders, and poorly differentiated neoplasms). For MDC 12, the ALOS dropped from 8.3 days in 1983 to 6.0 days in 1988, a decline of 27.7 percent. Similarly, the ALOS for MDC 17 dropped from 9.7 days to 6.8 days, a decline of 29.9 percent. Within MDC 12, the greatest drop in the ALOS was noted for DRG 347 (Malignancy, male reproductive system, without CC) and DRG 349 (Benign prostate hypertrophy without CC), which dropped by 62.7 percent (5.3 days) and 49.7 percent (2.9 days), respectively. For MDC 17, the largest decline in the ALOS was shown for DRG 407 (Other myeloproliferative disorders or poorly differentiated neoplasms without CC) and DRG 411 (History of malignancy without endoscopy), which declined by 50.1 percent (8.0 days) and 47.5 percent (3.5 days), respectively.

Diagnosis-related group-specific shifts

Approximately one-tenth of all Medicare DRGs shown in Table 1 experienced an increase in the ALOS during the period 1983-85. From 1985 through 1988, however, approximately one-half of the DRGs showed an increase in the ALOS, reflecting the slight increase in the national ALOS for the same period. DRGs with large relative increases in the ALOS during the study period included: DRG 437—Alcohol and drug abuse or dependency, combined rehabilitation and detoxification therapy (10.6 days, or 156 percent). DRG 7—Peripheral and cranial nerve and other operating room nervous system procedures with CC (13.5 days, or 113 percent). In contrast, notable decreases in the ALOS among the DRGs were reported during the period 1983-88 for the following: DRG 384—Other antepartum diagnoses without medical complications (9.5 days, or −76 percent). DRG 260—Subtotal mastectomy for malignancy without CC (4.8 days, or −60 percent). Among the DRGs for 1983, 24 DRGs had an ALOS of 20 days or more. Of these, 21 out of 24 DRGs experienced a decline in the ALOS from 1983 through 1988; three displayed a drop in the ALOS of about 39 percent or more: DRG 457—Extensive burns without an operating room procedure (16.5 days, or −68.2 percent). DRG 235—Fracture of femur (8.4 days, or −38.8 percent). DRG 114—Upper limb and toe amputation for circulatory system disorders (8.6 days, or −38.6 percent). On the other hand, as shown below, 3 of the 24 DRGs with an ALOS of 20 days or more in 1983 recorded an increase in the ALOS during the period 1983-88: DRG 424—Operating room procedure with principal diagnosis of mental illness, from 22.0 to 25.5 days (15.9 percent). DRG 192—Pancreas, liver, and shunt procedures without CC, from 22.4 to 23.4 days (4.5 percent). DRG 217—Wound debridement and skin graft except hand, from 21.7 to 22.3 days (2.8 percent).

Relative weights and average program payments

Congress has mandated that the DRG relative weights be recalculated annually to account for changes in resource consumption. Each DRG weight, thereby, represents the most current average resource consumption per case for a particular DRG, relative to the national average resource consumption per case. The formula used to calculate the PPS payment for a specific case, as described previously in the article, takes the national standardized average cost per case and multiplies it by the weight of the DRG to which the case is assigned. Therefore, the higher or lower the relative weight of the DRG, the higher or lower the PPS payment. As shown in Table 2, the relative weights among the DRGs varied substantially, ranging from a low of 0.18 for DRG 382 (False labor) to a high of 11.92 for DRG 103 (Heart transplant). For these DRGs, the average program payment per discharge in 1988 was $361 and $56,077, respectively, reflecting tremendous differences in resource consumption. Other DRGs with large relative weights and corresponding high average program payments per discharge in 1988 were: DRG 474—Respiratory system diagnosis with tracheostomy (11.88 and $48,567). DRG 472—Extensive burns with operating room procedure, including skin graft, wound debridement, or other operating room procedures for burns (10.73 and $65,002). DRG 104—Cardiac valve procedure with pump and without cardiac catheterization (7.84 and $31,576). The most notable shifts during the period 1983-88 in the relative weights among the DRGs shown in Table 2 occurred for the following: DRG 185—Dental and oral disorders except extractions and restorations, over age 17 (+ 309 percent). DRG 7—Peripheral and cranial nerve and other operating room nervous system procedures (+ 146 percent). DRG 431—Childhood mental disorders (−68 percent). DRG 302—Kidney transplant (−63 percent). DRG 457—Extensive burns with operating room procedure, excluding skin graft, wound debridement, or other operating room procedures for burns (−63 percent).

Sources and limitations of data

The data were derived from the short-stay hospital Medicare Provider Analysis and Review (MEDPAR) inpatient stay record file maintained by HCFA. The MEDPAR file is generated by linking information from three HCFA master program files: the utilization bill file, the health insurance entitlement file, and the provider of services file. The statistical stay record, thereby, provides information on the patient, the hospital, and the hospitalization. Certain types of limitations should be considered when analyzing the data shown in the tables: sampling variability, administrative time lag, and errors in the diagnostic and DRG coding. These are described below. First, the data are based on a 20-percent sample of short-stay hospital records (which includes both PPS and non-PPS patient bills) contained in the inpatient stay record file. Therefore, the data are subject to sampling variability. Sample counts were multiplied by a factor of 5 to estimate population totals. The second data limitation is the incompleteness of the stay record files used to produce the data in this report. This is a result of the administrative time lag between the time when a bill (HCFA-1450) is submitted for payment and when it is posted to central records. The processing cutoff date for the data was December of each of the study years. Therefore, discharge bills received and recorded after this date were not included. It is estimated that the file, therefore, is only about 98 percent complete. The shortfall described, however, should not affect the validity of the estimates for percentages and average program payments per discharge. The third limitation is associated with coding the principal and secondary diagnoses, surgical procedures, and the eventual assignment of the DRG code. The diagnostic information used to generate the DRG codes was classified according to the ICD-9-CM. For each sample bill record, a unique three-, four-, or five-digit code was assigned for the principal and secondary diagnoses. Similarly, a unique two-, three-, or four-digit code was assigned for each surgical procedure. DRG assignment errors, essentially, result from errors in selecting and coding the diagnoses and procedures, problems with precision and clarity of the DRG definitions, and difficulties in comprehending and adhering to HCFA coding guidelines and regulations. Based on a report (Hsia et al., 1988) concerning the accuracy of diagnostic coding, an error rate of 20.8 percent in DRG coding was reported for the period October 1984 through March 1985. Errors were distributed equally between physicians and hospitals. Small hospitals had significantly higher error rates. Previous studies had found that errors occurred randomly, so that one-half the errors benefited the hospital financially and one-half penalized the hospital. The present study found that a statistically significant 61.7 percent of coding errors favored the hospital. The study concluded that “creep” does occur in the coding of DRGs, resulting in overpayment to hospitals for patients covered by Medicare (Hsia et al., 1988). The significant medical coding changes coinciding with the implementation of PPS make analysis of shifts in DRG utilization extremely difficult. Therefore, the data in this article should be used with caution. Finally, the average program payments in Table 2 were calculated following the deletion of all records that showed a total of zero reimbursements; that is, only the records that show Medicare as the primary payer were included.
  2 in total

1.  Medicare program; changes to the DRG classification system--HCFA. Final notice.

Authors: 
Journal:  Fed Regist       Date:  1987-09-01

2.  Accuracy of diagnostic coding for Medicare patients under the prospective-payment system.

Authors:  D C Hsia; W M Krushat; A B Fagan; J A Tebbutt; R P Kusserow
Journal:  N Engl J Med       Date:  1988-02-11       Impact factor: 91.245

  2 in total
  1 in total

1.  Excess costs from gastrointestinal disease associated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Authors:  W E Smalley; M R Griffin; R L Fought; W A Ray
Journal:  J Gen Intern Med       Date:  1996-08       Impact factor: 5.128

  1 in total

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