The impact of diagnosis-related groups on medical costs, service efficiency, and healthcare quality in Meishan, China: An interrupted time series analysis

This study assessed the impact of the DRG payment system on medical costs and service efficiency. The results showed that DRG reduced total hospital costs, patient cost-sharing, patient sharing ratio, and length of stay, but did not significantly affect the rising 30-day readmission rates. Over time, the impact of DRG on cost control and service efficiency stabilized. However, unintended hospital behaviors may have emerged, warranting further investigation. The findings suggest that policymakers should strengthen clinical practice regulation, improve the DRG payment system, and continuously monitor healthcare quality trends.