The effects of DRG targeting on the radiology department.

Patient volume has been traditionally analyzed by discharge service type and by payor type. However, in order to understand the marketing factors that affect patient volume and the influence of third party payors on the health care industry, this traditional approach must change. We must adopt techniques that are based on an understanding of diagnosis related groups (DRGs) and their related major diagnostic categories (MDCs). This article presents a brief history of the evolution of the DRG system and describes the effects of targeting specific DRGs. The author then offers recommendations for coping with prospective reimbursement.