Casemix--what is it and what does it mean to ophthalmology?

The Australian government is committed to the establishment of a prospective payment system based on casemix information for acute hospital care in the near future, because these systems are demonstrably socially equitable and more efficient than present 'historical' systems. Since ophthalmology is an outpatient-based specialty, the establishment of a good ambulatory casemix system is essential to this specialty. Considerable input from clinicians will be required to establish a satisfactory system, and to maintain it in years to come.