Casemix and costing hospital information program, Brisbane South Regional Health Authority: a preliminary study to determine the emergency department component of DRG costs

<p>The issue of costs incurred for patients in the Emergency Department who are subsequently admitted was investigated by the authors to determine the significance of costs and to identify which DRGs and clinical specialties are likely to be affected. A theoretical costing study was performed in collaboration with the staff in the Emergency Department for patients admitted through this Department. The Study was a preliminary one with a number of methodological limitations. This paper describes how the costing exercise was performed. The DRGs most likely to be admitted via this route are identified and recommendations for further study are made. The study results identify a number of issues that require resolution prior to the introduction of casemix based funding.</p>