Impact of China’s diagnosis-intervention packet payment reform on pediatric pneumonia hospitalization costs: an interrupted time series analysis

The implementation of DIP payment reform was associated with significant reductions in hospitalization costs for pediatric pneumonia while maintaining key quality indicators such as cure rates and ICU transfer frequencies. The observed cost reductions were primarily driven by lower medication expenses and reduced use of unnecessary diagnostic services, reflecting a shift towards value-based care. These findings underscore the potential of DIP reform to enhance hospital efficiency and financial sustainability without compromising patient care.