Which term refers to the average data used to project future healthcare costs in prospective payment systems?

The term that refers to the average data used to project future healthcare costs in prospective payment systems is historical information. This concept involves analyzing past data related to healthcare expenses to establish benchmarks or trends that can be relied upon for forecasting future costs. Historical information provides the foundation for understanding how costs have varied based on different factors such as patient demographics, treatment patterns, and the types of services rendered.

In prospective payment systems, where reimbursements are predetermined, having this historical context allows healthcare providers and payers to make informed decisions about budget allocations and pricing structures moving forward. Accurate projections based on historical data can significantly enhance the financial management and planning processes in healthcare organizations.