Casemix classification and Australian doctors Risks and opportunities

"Casemix" is an information tool--a set of patient care classifications and ideas about their use. It is useful only if it promotes understanding, and leads to better performance of the health system. Here we discuss some uses of casemix classifications, including payment of hospitals on a per case basis. Clinicians need to be concerned about both the design of casemix classifications themselves, and the ways in which they are used.