title: [Introduction of the DRG system in Germany: problems and perspectives from the point of view of the German Hospital Federation].
abstract: The medical self-governing bodies at state level have been legally commissioned to develop a DRG-based reimbursement system in Germany till January 1, 2003, the general political and economic conditions being outlined in a DRG law regulating the introduction of a DRG-based case payment system (Fallpauschalengesetz). From the point of view of the German Hospital Federation, though, caution is advised as many of these general conditions cannot easily be implemented into the reality of German hospital practice. For example, the time frame set for introducing DRGs in Germany seems to be near record levels and is bound to cause qualitative cutbacks on the introduction of the new DRG system meant to improve the quality of care. Current hospital planning will be turned inside out. Also, the interfaces between the hospital sector on the one hand and other areas of care on the other will be put to a real test of endurance.
authors.affiliation: Deutsche Krankenhausgesellschaft, Düsseldorf. M.Schmidt@DKGeV.de
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Schmidt
mesh_terms: D003953:Diagnosis-Related Groups / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence* / Q000639:trends; D005858:Germany; D012051:Reimbursement Mechanisms / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D012954:Societies, Hospital / Q000191:economics / Q000592:standards*