[ENT relevant changes in the German OPS Procedure Classification System for 2006].
BACKGROUND
Classification of surgical and medical procedures is of increasing relevance for health care financing. From this viewpoint, classification according to the German "Operations- und Prozedurenschlüssel" (OPS) was frequently inadequate so far.


METHODS
In the course of a comprehensive DRG evaluation project, deficits of the economic classification of ENT-medicine were identified. Based on these findings, proposals for further improvement of the OPS were developed.


RESULTS
An improper medical economic classification was identified for common surgical procedures on middle ear, nose and paranasal sinuses, and for coding of prosthetic voice restoration. In agreement with the German Institute for Medical Documentation and Information (DIMDI) the OPS was revised accordingly.


CONCLUSIONS
Significant modifications of the OPS will take place at January 1 (st) 2006, which are of great impact for health care financing by the G-DRG-System and in the context of outpatient surgery.
Alberty
J
J
Klinik und Poliklinik für Hals-, Nasen- und Ohrenkrankheiten, Universitätsklinikum Münster. alberty.hno@uni-muenster.de
Franz
D
D
D003363:Cost Control / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D003953:Diagnosis-Related Groups / Q000145:classification* / Q000191:economics*; D005858:Germany; D006801:Humans; D007349:Insurance, Health, Reimbursement / Q000191:economics*; D009313:National Health Programs / Q000191:economics*; D010038:Otorhinolaryngologic Diseases / Q000145:classification* / Q000191:economics*; D013517:Otorhinolaryngologic Surgical Procedures / Q000145:classification* / Q000191:economics*