The cost of burn care and implications for the future on quality of care

摘要: The high cost of health care has become a nationwide concern and there are several national initiatives under way to reduce the rate increase these costs. Among most recent been introduction Medicare reimbursement based upon Diagnostic Related Groups (DRGs). This paper presents retrospective analysis costs burned patients admitted University Alabama at Birmingham Burn Center profile financial impact DRGs. Costs for were twice as average patient in hospital increased faster rate. Since 1977 proportion indigent with very poor third-party coverage greatly those good or excellent decreased. If had reimbursed on bases DRG rates 1982, payments would have exceeded by $2,981 but $88,399 less than charges. In 1983, if rates, payment $409,629 $634,583 unfavorable is because essentially flat long lengths stay much greater reimbursements. Specific policies methods correct this discrepancy suggested.