Sources of payment for hospitalization and clinical performance: the case of hospitals in São Paulo, Brazil

ABSTRACT The aim was to analyze clinical performance through the application of Hospital Standardized Mortality Ratio (HSMR) and its variation according to admissions payment sources and hospitals financing arrangements. Secondary data was used and diagnoses that account for 80% of hospital deaths were analyzed, adjusted by patient risk. Performance observed was worse than expected in public and mixed-public hospitals, and in SUS (Unified Health System) hospitalizations. The relation between source of payment and HSMR may indicate differences in clinical practice or in the severity of cases. This methodology contributes to the monitoring of hospital quality, directing public policies and regulations.