What is the case-mix index (CMI) for the top 10 MS-DRGs?

The case-mix index (CMI) is a measure that reflects the diversity and complexity of patients treated by a healthcare facility, with a specific focus on the types of diagnoses and severity of cases. It is calculated by analyzing the Diagnosis-Related Groups (DRGs) and their respective weights, which are assigned based on the resources required for treatment.

The correct answer of 1.278 indicates a relatively high case mix intensity, suggesting that the facility is treating more complex cases that require more resources, specialized care, or longer hospital stays. This might be indicative of a hospital that has a specialized center for certain types of conditions or a patient population with higher morbidity rates.

Understanding CMI is crucial for hospital administrators and reimbursement specialists because higher CMI values often translate into higher reimbursement rates from Medicare and other payers, reflecting the additional resources needed to care for these patients. This information could also inform hospital decision-making, from resource allocation to strategic planning, ensuring that healthcare facilities can meet the demands of a varied patient population effectively.

In summary, this context highlights the importance of the correct answer, which shows that the facility handles more complex cases, thereby justifying its higher CMI value.