LAUSR

Key Points Question Is the implementation of the Swiss diagnosis-related group reimbursement system associated with a reduction in length of hospital stay without negatively affecting in-hospital mortality and readmission rates in adult patients? Findings In this cohort study of data from 2 426 722 adult patients, the gradual decrease in length of hospital stay observed from 2009 to 2015 was not substantially greater after the implementation of the Swiss diagnosis-related group system in 2012. An increase in 30-day readmission rates and a decrease in in-hospital mortality were observed after the introduction of the Swiss diagnosis-related group system. Meaning Swiss diagnosis-related group implementation appeared to be associated with higher readmission rates and lower in-hospital mortality but not with a substantial decrease in length of hospital stays.