DRG-based market-orientation and integrated healthcare in Austria: developing an effective product portfolio
by Victoria Hob, Magdalena Thoni, Roland Staudinger
International Journal of Behavioural and Healthcare Research (IJBHR), Vol. 1, No. 2, 2009

Abstract: To reduce costs in the Austrian hospital sector, a prospective Diagnosis-Related Group (DRG)-based payment system was implemented in 1997 and a structure similar to managed care ('integrated healthcare') will be established in the future. The payment system aims to create incentives for the hospital sector to focus on the efficient use of resources. The implementation of integrated healthcare, which is also expected to lead to improved efficiency, is still in progress in that the legal background has yet to be clarified. The new payment system reinforces market-orientated structures. Integrated healthcare is based on a system of centrally planned provider structures. This paper focuses on synergies that arise by combining the two instruments. Furthermore, a product portfolio matrix is derived to position hospitals within the different medical areas.

Online publication date: Mon, 30-Mar-2009

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