Effects of diagnosis-related group payment on health-care provider behaviors: A consecutive three-period study

Abstract

The introduction of DRG payment resulted in significantly reduced examination fee, slightly decreased medical costs without significant difference in several detailed items, a reduced number of GA cases without statistical significance, and more patients receiving additional operations. The possible solution to make a profit under the DRG payment scheme is to curtail the costs of radiological images and medication, lower GA percentage, perform fewer additional operations, and correct recording of complications or comorbidities.