The Medical journal of Australia
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The selection of appropriate non-inpatient casemix classification systems is pivotal to the overall success of casemix in Australia. Before implementation, an extensive review and evaluation of issues relating to non-inpatient casemix must be undertaken in conjunction with inpatient casemix to avoid adverse economic and clinical outcomes. Here, we review the background to and current status of non-inpatient casemix classification systems. The current Commonwealth/State research agenda is defined and possible options for both classification and funding of non-inpatient services are described.
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Providers of mental health and substance abuse care cannot afford to ignore the existence of casemix descriptions of their services. As casemix comes to be the predominant language used to describe the products of hospital care, its use will inevitably impinge upon psychiatric services. The psychiatric components of the Australian national diagnosis-related groups classification 1 and 2 (AN-DRG 1 and 2) do not describe the relevant products with great accuracy. ⋯ The evolution of a casemix system which does justice to current and future psychiatric services will be a complex process. Some of the crucial areas are discussed. Clinicians involved in mental health and substance abuse care must continue to advocate for the resources and effort needed to improve casemix information in their area.