A modular case-mix classification system for medical rehabilitation illustrated.

The authors present a modular set of patient classification systems designed for medical rehabilitation that predict resource use and outcomes for clinically similar groups of individuals. The systems, based on the Functional Independence Measure, are referred to as Function-Related Groups (FIM-FRGs). Using data from 23,637 lower extremity fracture patients from 458 inpatient medical rehabilitation facilities, 1995 benchmarks are provided and illustrated for length of stay, functional outcome, and discharge to home and skilled nursing facilities (SNFs). The FIM-FRG modules may be used in parallel to study interactions between resource use and quality and could ultimately yield an integrated strategy for payment and outcomes measurement. This could position the rehabilitation community to take a pioneering role in the application of outcomes-based clinical indicators.