ABSTRACT
UNLABELLED: The introduction of diagnosis-related groups (DRG) in Germany comprises the risk of a non-cost-effective reimbursement in complex medical treatments. The aim of this study was to compare the reimbursement between the DRG system and the system of hospital per diem charge in effect until now. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The G-DRG (Version 2004) reimbursement was calculated for 1,030 polytrauma patients (average ISS 26.4) treated at the BGU Murnau from 2000 to 2004, using a base value of 2900 euros, and compared to the reimbursement of hospital per diem charge. RESULTS: Just half of all polytrauma patients are classified as a polytrauma according to the DRG (18.7%) or as requiring artificial respiration based on the DRG (29.1%). The average G-DRG reimbursement was 27,157 euros vs 36,387 euros (74.6%). Patients with minor trauma, increasing age, high GCS, ICU stay without artificial respiration, trauma of the upper extremity and patients who survived show the greatest discrepancy. CONCLUSION: A revision of the G-DRG definition of polytrauma is necessary to ensure adequate reimbursement for management of patients with multiple injuries. The severity of a trauma has to be considered in the DRG system.
