[Diagnosis-related groups--possibilities and problems].

Classification of patients into Diagnosis-Related Groups (DRGs) provides several opportunities in the field of hospital management. The author describes some of these opportunities and discusses the associated problems. The benefit to be obtained from using DRGs depends to a large extent on future improvements in the quality of the input data. This classification will not completely satisfy the need for information on activities in hospitals. We should be aware of the problems associated with the use of DRG, but should simultaneously recognize the potential of the system to provide better information on hospital performance. Use of DRG as a basis for hospital financing seems to be an important factor which might help to improve the quality of the data. Objections to this classification have not resulted in other generally acceptable methods of grouping patients.