The Case Mix Index (CMI) reflects the average relative weight of a hospital’s patient discharges. The calculation involves summing the Diagnosis Related Group (DRG) weight for each patient discharge and then dividing by the total number of discharges. For example, if a hospital has 100 discharges, and the sum of the DRG weights for those discharges is 120, the CMI would be 1.20.
This metric serves as a valuable tool for healthcare administrators and policymakers. A higher value indicates a greater proportion of complex or resource-intensive cases. This understanding is critical for resource allocation, strategic planning, and evaluating the effectiveness of clinical services. Historically, the development and implementation of this measure have contributed to improved financial management and a better understanding of patient populations within healthcare facilities.