Ambulatory casemix in Australia: APGs or AVGs?

Measurement of the ambulatory casemix of Australian hospitals is important as the next step beyond DRGs in better management of total hospital output. This paper describes and analyses two classification systems, Ambulatory Patient Groups (APGs) and Ambulatory Visit Groups (AVGs), designed by the Yale casemix development group for use in the United States. Despite their common origins, these two systems incorporate different principles of classification and of product line management in their structures. The paper evaluates the applicability of these systems in the Australian policy context and suggests modifications which might be necessary to better suit them for use in Australia.