Early outcome of the Korean Diagnosis-Related Groups payment system for appendectomy.
10.4174/astr.2015.88.3.126
- Author:
Hyeyoung KIM
1
;
In Mok JUNG
;
Keong Won YUN
;
Seung Chul HEO
;
Young Joon AHN
;
Ki Tae HWANG
;
Hae Won LEE
;
Do Hoon KOO
;
Eunyoung KO
;
Hye Seong AHN
;
Rumi SHIN
;
Jung Kee CHUNG
Author Information
1. Department of Surgery, Seoul Metropolitan Government - Seoul National University Boramae Medical Center, Seoul, Korea. imjung@brm.co.kr
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Appendicitis;
Diagnosis-related groups;
Health care costs;
Prospective payment system
- MeSH:
Appendectomy*;
Appendicitis;
Diagnosis-Related Groups*;
Emergency Service, Hospital;
Follow-Up Studies;
Health Care Costs;
Hospitalization;
Humans;
Korea;
Length of Stay;
Local Government;
Prospective Payment System;
Seoul
- From:Annals of Surgical Treatment and Research
2015;88(3):126-132
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
PURPOSE: The implementation of the Korean diagnosis-related groups (DRG) payment system has been recently introduced in selected several diseases including appendectomy in Korea. Here, we report the early outcomes with regard to clinical aspects and medical costs of the Korean DRG system for appendectomies in Seoul Metropolitan Government - Seoul National University Boramae Medical Center throughout comparing before and after introduction of DRG system. METHODS: The DRG system was applied since January 2013 at our institute. After the DRG system, we strategically designed and applied our algorithm for the treatment of probable appendicitis. We reviewed the patients who were treated with a procedure of appendectomy for probable appendicitis between July 2012 and June 2013, divided two groups based on before and after the application of DRG system, and compared clinical outcomes and medical costs. RESULTS: Total 416 patients were included (204 patients vs. 212 patients in the group before vs. after DRG). Shorter hospital stays (2.98 +/- 1.77 days vs. 3.82 +/- 1.84 days, P < 0.001) were found in the group after DRG. Otherwise, there were no significant differences in the perioperative outcomes and medical costs including costs for first hospitalization and operation, costs for follow-up after discharge, frequency of visits of out-patient's clinic or Emergency Department or rehospitalization. CONCLUSION: In the Korean DRG system for appendectomy, there were no significant differences in perioperative outcomes and medical costs, except shorter hospital stay. Further studies should be continued to evaluate the current Korean DRG system for appendectomy and further modifications and supplementations are needed in the future.
