Term: InterQual Criteria

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Glossary Definition

Last Updated: 2007-09-26

Definition:

A set of measurable, clinical indicators, as well as diagnostic and therapeutic services reflecting the need for hospitalization. Rather than being based on diagnosis, they consider the level of illness of the patient and the services required; thus they serve as the criteria for all acute hospital care, regardless of location or size of the hospital. The criteria are grouped into 14 body systems, and there are 3 sets of criteria for each body system: Severity of Illness, Intensity of Service, and Discharge Screens.

Related concepts 

• Interqual Criteria

Related terms 

• Acuity
• Acute Care
• Acute/Acuteness
• Alternate Level of Care (ALC)
• Alternate Level of Care (ALC) Criteria
• Ambulatory Care Sensitive (ACS) Conditions
• Discharge Screens
• Inappropriate Admissions
• Intensity Of Service
• Severity of Illness

References 

• Bruce S, De Coster C, Trumble-Waddell J, Burchill C. Patients hospitalized for medical conditions in Winnipeg, Canada: appropriateness and level of care. Healthc Manage Forum 2002;Suppl(4 Suppl):53-57. [Abstract] (View)
• Bruce S, Black C, Burchill C, De Haney S. Profile of Medical Patients who were Assessed as Requiring Observation-Level Services at Winnipeg Acute Care Hospitals in 1998/99. Winnipeg, MB: Manitoba Centre for Health Policy, 2002. [Report] [Summary] (View)
• De Coster C, Peterson S, Kasian P. Alternatives to Acute Care . Winnipeg, MB: Manitoba Centre for Health and Evaluation, 1996. [Report] [Summary] (View)