Preparing for the new landscape of payment reform

A door-to-discharge analysis emphasizes a global view of care delivery to improve processes, eliminate waste, and reduce costs. Key components of this approach are identifying information sources and collecting data, engaging physicians, using techniques such as Lean and Six Sigma, and improving documentation and coding. Focusing on specific high-cost MS-DRGs, such as catheterization laboratory procedures and cardiovascular, joint replacement, and spine surgery, can produce early, significant results.