The approach of diagnosis-related groups and ambulatory payment classifications in the health payment system and providing a framework for using them in Iranian hospitals

The use of appropriate health payment system is one of the priorities for all countries. The aim of this study was to survey the features of diagnosis related groups (DRGs) and ambulatory payment classifications (APCs) in order to provide a framework for calculating inpatient and outpatient care costs in Iranian hospitals.

This review article conducted by searching bibliographic databases including PubMed،Science direct, SID and Cochrane library. Google scholar and other relevant websites were also searched. Studies restricted to English and Persian language. There was no study design and date limitation.

Of all retrieved studies, 108 studies were selected. Seven DRGs systems have been developed primarily for inpatient services that had various elements for determining payment and were made to address particular limitations in the original DRGs. Different countries often have used their native inputs such as ICD clinical codes. DRGs approaches are converted the clinical code to the financial for determining costs. Finally, Payments for each condition or diseases are estimated based on Adjustment factors, Expenditure ceiling, and Cost weights set. In the APC system would be assigned specific current procedure terminology and ICD clinical codes for each patient who visited the physician and had procedures perform. The APCs approaches are converted the clinical code to the financial for determining costs. Finally, Payments for each condition or diseases are estimated based on Adjustment factors, Expenditure ceiling, and Cost weights set.

Using well-defined prospective payment systems such as native DRG and APC which cover inpatient and outpatient service costs are considered as an effective step in reforming Payments in Iran health care system.