Term: Case-Complexity

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Glossary Definition

Last Updated: 2006-07-20

Definition:

Case-complexity is calculated for each hospital during the study period using a case-mix hospital costing methodology based on refined diagnostic-related groups (RDRGs®). In this methodology, clinically similar cases (i.e., cases that can be expected to use similar amounts of hospital resources) are grouped based on principal diagnosis, secondary diagnoses, surgical procedures (type and extent), age, sex, discharge status, comorbidity and complications. Relative case weights have been developed based on Maryland cost data and Canadian length of stay data. Weights were assigned to each type of case and further adjusted for nonacute days, outliers (i.e., longer lengths of stay than the benchmark), transfers or deaths. These weights were than applied to each hospital's separations and the average weight for each hospital in Manitoba was taken as a measure of that hospital's clinical complexity based on resource use.

Related terms 

• Refined Diagnosis Related Groups (RDRG®)
• Relative Case Weights (RCW)

References 

• Bruce S, Prior H, Katz A, Taylor M, Latosinsky S, Martens P, De Coster C, Brownell M, Soodeen R, Steinbach C. Application of Patient Safety Indicators in Manitoba: A First Look. Winnipeg, MB: Manitoba Centre for Health Policy, 2006. [Report] [Summary] (View)