Core Viewpoint - The National Healthcare Security Administration (NHSA) has issued a temporary measure to manage disease-based payment systems, aiming to enhance the standardization of medical insurance payments across all regions in China [1][2]. Group 1: Payment Reform - The traditional payment method in China was fee-for-service, which often led to excessive medical practices such as over-prescribing and unnecessary tests [2]. - Since 2019, the NHSA has been promoting a "disease-based payment" reform, where payments are bundled based on historical data and patient conditions, shifting the focus from quantity of services to cost control [2][4]. - As of the end of 2024, over 90% of hospital discharges will be covered under the disease-based payment system [5]. Group 2: Impact on Medical Institutions - The reform has led to more standardized medical practices, reduced time and costs, and shorter average hospital stays [4]. - Medical institutions can apply for special cases for patients with long hospital stays or high resource consumption, allowing for project-based payments if necessary [4][5]. - Nearly 60% of tertiary public hospitals have adopted "day surgery," allowing patients to complete procedures within 24 hours, thus improving bed turnover and reducing costs [7]. Group 3: Patient Experience - The disease-based payment system reduces the financial burden on patients and encourages hospitals to control costs and standardize treatment [7]. - Patients who previously required hospitalization for simple procedures can now receive treatment as day surgeries, which are reimbursed at the same rate as inpatient care [7][9]. - In Shandong, patients can undergo simple surgeries and be discharged within 24 hours, significantly reducing hospital stay duration and costs by approximately 30% [11].