Lessons learned with MS-DRGs: getting physicians on board for success.

To get physicians on board with a clinical documentation program: Explain what the government is trying to accomplish with changes to the prospective payment system; Connect codes and quality report cards; Enlist a physician champion; Conduct an MS-DRG financial impact study and share the results with physicians; Establish a clinical documentation improvement/integrity team; Provide solid rationale and data to back up requests.