[The German DRG system and its effect on imaging quality in ENT, and head and neck surgery].
BACKGROUND
The new G-DRG system for 2006 was published in September 2005. This article presents, analyses, and comments essential changes in the G-DRG system for 2006 and their consequences for ENT-Medicine.


RESULTS
The complexity of the G-DRG system has increased significantly. In 2006, the case allocation will be more differentiated for common surgical procedures on the middle ear, nose, paranasal sinuses, salivary glands, and for head and neck cancer. Furthermore, the patient's age and the clinical and complexity level (PCCL) will be of increased relevance in selected case constellations. However, diagnostic endoscopies with rigid instruments will still not be regarded as OR procedures.


CONCLUSIONS
Essential adjustments proposed by the German Association for ENT Medicine (DGHNOKHC) and the ENT Medical Professional Association (HNO-Berufsverband) have been made, and the quality of case allocation of ENT-patients within the G-DRG system improved. Nevertheless, further adjustments to the G-DRG system are necessary.
Franz
D
D
Stabsstelle Medizincontrolling, DRG-Research-Group, Universitätsklinikum, Domagkstrasse 20, 48129 Münster. dominik.franz@smc.uni-muenster.de
Roeder
N
N
Hörmann
K
K
Alberty
J
J
D003953:Diagnosis-Related Groups / Q000191:economics*; D005544:Forecasting; D005858:Germany; D006801:Humans; D038801:International Classification of Diseases; D009313:National Health Programs / Q000191:economics*; D010038:Otorhinolaryngologic Diseases / Q000145:classification / Q000191:economics / Q000601:surgery*; D010039:Otorhinolaryngologic Neoplasms / Q000145:classification / Q000191:economics / Q000601:surgery*; D012051:Reimbursement Mechanisms / Q000145:classification / Q000191:economics