CASEMIX - AN AMA PERSPECTIVE

The introduction of casemix payment systems into Australia's public ho spitals is an inevitability which the Australian Medical Association h as now begun to address. A greater involvement of clinicians in the de sign and implementation of casemix can add substantial quality to thes e systems. However, there is concern that a proliferation of separate casemix systems may be contrary to overall health policy developments and that governments will not understand the limits of casemix. Recent attempts to include medical payments within a casemix payment system in the private sector faced our united opposition. Finally, special ca re needs to be taken to ensure that the introduction of a casemix paym ent system does not further disadvantage access to high quality health care for Aborigines.