DRG (Diagnosis-Related Group) Codes - 4 Codes
DRG (Diagnosis-Related Group) Codes Grouped by first two characters of the code ("4" Codes):
* Note: Code groups may not be sequential.
Back to list of DRG (Diagnosis-Related Group) Code Groups
What are DRGs?
A diagnosis-related group (DRG) is a system to classify hospital cases into one of approximately 500 groups, also referred to as DRGs, expected to have similar hospital resource use, developed for Medicare as part of the prospective payment system. DRGs are assigned by a "grouper" program based on ICD diagnoses, procedures, age, sex, discharge status, and the presence of complications or comorbidities. DRGs have been used in the US since 1983 to determine how much Medicare pays the hospital, since patients within each category are similar clinically and are expected to use the same level of hospital resources. DRGs may be further grouped into Major Diagnostic Categories (MDCs).
The original objective of diagnosis related group (DRG) was to develop a patient classification system that related types of patients treated to the resources they consumed. Since the introduction of DRGs in the early 1980’s, the healthcare industry has evolved and developed an increased demand for a patient classification system that can serve its original objective at a higher level of sophistication and precision. To meet those evolving needs, the objective of the DRG system had to expand in scope.
Source:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diagnosis-related_group