Patient Classification Systems International (PCSI) focuses on patient classification systems, known as case-mix or activity-based systems. Founded in 1987 in Lisbon, Portugal, the PCSI started with a focus on Diagnosis Related Groups (DRGs) and has since expanded to include classification systems for other care types, settings, and uses of these systems beyond funding.

The PCSI’s main goal is to encourage collaboration and knowledge-sharing to advance patient classification systems globally. These systems group patients with similar clinical and resource needs, helping ensure fair healthcare funding, evaluate performance, assess quality and measure outcomes. They also play an important role in value-based healthcare by linking payments to patient outcomes, supporting integrated care models that coordinate services across different providers, and informing population health strategies through better understanding of care needs across diverse communities.

As the only global organization dedicated to patient classification systems, the PCSI supports innovation and learning in the field. Through conferences and workshops, we connect policymakers, healthcare administrators, clinicians, data analysts, researchers, developers and other users of patient classification systems to share ideas and best practices. We also regularly hold introductory and advanced schools and offer customized training programs tailored to the needs of specific countries or health agencies, enabling them to rapidly build expertise and capabilities in these systems.