What does the term 'Case Mix Index' (CMI) measure?

The term 'Case Mix Index' (CMI) specifically measures the diversity and complexity of patients within a healthcare setting. It serves as a quantitative metric that reflects the types of patients treated, particularly in terms of their diagnoses and the resources required for their care. A higher CMI indicates a patient population with more complex conditions that typically require more intensive services, while a lower CMI suggests a less complex patient group.

CMI is crucial for hospitals and healthcare organizations as it impacts financial reimbursement models, resource allocation, and overall performance assessments. Understanding the complexity of patient cases enables healthcare providers to allocate resources more efficiently and ensures that the reimbursement reflects the true costs associated with treating those patients. This is why the chosen option is accurate and aligns with the definition and purpose of the Case Mix Index in healthcare analytics.