[Organisation and reimbursement of surgical practice in Denmark 2004-2008].
BACKGROUND
The organisation and the reimbursement pattern for surgery in Denmark are relatively unknown.


METHODS
The organisation and activity of hip and knee replacement, laparoscopic cholecystectomy and inguinal herniotomy, low-back surgery and obesity surgery were analysed together with the surgery reimbursement pattern in Denmark in the 5-year period 2004-2008 based on national register data.


RESULTS
During the 4-year period 2004-2007 activity rose for all types of surgery, except laparoscopic cholecystectomy. A predominant part of the increased activity was seen within the private sector, especially in obesity and low-back surgery. A predominant part of the activity in the private sector was financed via public sector funding.


CONCLUSIONS
The results show increased surgical activity in five common operations and call for intensified monitoring of activity and quality to secure research and further development on a nationwide basis.
Rigshospitalet, Enhed for Kirurgisk Patofysiologi og Ortopaedkirurgisk Afdeling.
Henrik
H
Kehlet
Klaus
K
Hindsø
Maria Gerding
MG
Iversen
D019644:Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D019645:Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D050110:Bariatric Surgery / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D017081:Cholecystectomy, Laparoscopic / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003718:Denmark; D013502:General Surgery / Q000191:economics / Q000458:organization & administration; D059685:Herniorrhaphy; D016304:Hospitals, Private / Q000191:economics; D006779:Hospitals, Public / Q000191:economics; D006801:Humans; D012051:Reimbursement Mechanisms; D013514:Surgical Procedures, Operative / Q000191:economics* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data