Function-based classification for stroke rehabilitation and issues of reimbursement: Using patient classification systems to scale payment to patient complexity

This work was supported in part by National Institutes of Health grant K08-AG00487 from the National institute on Aging and grant ROI HS07595 from the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research. The opinions and conclusions of the author are not necessarily those of the sponsoring agencies.

Abstract

The Functional Independence Measure-Function Related Groups (FIM-FRGs) classify stroke patients into five clinical categories that predict medical rehabilitation length of stay as a proxy for cost. The current payment system for inpatient rehabilitation does not adjust for clinical complexity, thus potentially leading to care inequities for individual patients and unequal distribution of resources among rehabilitation facilities. Designed for use as part of a payment system, the FIM-FRGs could operate within the Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act payment system or other payment systems to adjust for the clinical complexity of the patients actually treated. The article discusses the use of function-based classification schemes for the payment of stroke rehabilitation.

• case mix
• continuity of patient care
• payment incentives
• payment systems
• rehabilitation
• stroke

Notes

This work was supported in part by National Institutes of Health grant K08-AG00487 from the National institute on Aging and grant ROI HS07595 from the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research. The opinions and conclusions of the author are not necessarily those of the sponsoring agencies.