[Diagnosis related groups in stroke treatment. An analysis from the stroke data bank of the German Stroke Foundation].

Background: The upcoming introduction of diagnosis related groups (DRG) as an exclusive base for future calculation of hospital proceeds in Germany requires a thorough analysis of cost data for various diseases.
Objective: To compare the resulting combined cost weights of the Australian Refined DRG system (AR-DRG) with the proceeds based on actual per-day rates in stroke treatment.
Patients and Methods: Between 1998 and 1999, data from 6520 patients (median age 68 years, 43% women) with acute stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) were prospectively documented in 15 departments of Neurology with an acute stroke unit, 9 departments of general Neurology and 6 departments of Internal Medicine. Prior to grouping cases into DRGs, all available data were transferred into ICD-10-SGB-V 2.0 or the Australian procedure system (MBS-Extended). Hospital proceeds for the respective cases were calculated based on per-day rates of the documenting hospitals.
Results: The resulting cost weights demonstrate a good homogeneity compared to the length of stay. When introducing the AR-DRG with a uniform base rate in Germany, a relative decrease of hospital proceeds can be expected in Neurology Departments and for treatment of TIAs.
Conclusion: Preservation of the existing structure of acute stroke care in Germany requires a supplement to a uniform base rate in Neurology departments.