[2009 Diagnosis Related Group classification system update and possible evolution in Italy].

Since January the 1st 2009, with the entry in force of a recent Italian act, is now available the new DRG-classification system version 24.0 which replaces the previous one (v. 19.0) which uses the ICD-9-CM 2007 codes (instead of the ICD-9-CM 2002). The purpose of this paper is to illustrate the main novelties introduced, and to describe the possible evolutions of the system that could, within the short term, emerge in Italy.