Application of the diagnosis procedure combination (DPC) data to clinical studies

Abstract

The Diagnosis Procedure Combination (DPC) is a case-mix classification system that is linked with alump-sum payment system for inpatient care reimbursement. The key objectives of introducing the DPC systemare to implement an electronic claim system and to provide transparency of hospital performance. The DPC datainclude discharge abstract and administrative claims data. The unique advantage of the DPC data is the inclusion ofdetailed process data and several clinical data that can be applied to clinical studies. In this report, we explain thestructure and contents of the DPC database, and discuss the applicability of the DPC data to clinical studies, comparingthem with the US Nationwide Inpatient Sample database.