Unpacking the cost implications of diagnosis-related groups reform for lumbar disc herniation patients in Chinese medicine: a closer look at evidence from China.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

Lumbar disc herniation (LDH) presents a significant economic burden globally, worsening in China due to an aging population. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers effective treatment options for LDH, making its integration with Diagnosis-Related Groups (DRG) payment reform crucial for reducing medical costs and enhancing healthcare quality.

Methods

We analyzed data from hospitalized patients at Qingyang City Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Gansu Province, from 2017 to 2022. Univariate analysis was conducted to examine changes in patient demographics before and after the DRG reform. A single group interrupted-time series analysis (ITSA) model was used to compare key indicators of medical costs and length of stay pre- and post-reform.

Results

A total of 2,8

SUBMITTER: Chen ME 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12491192 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature