title: [Formation of centers in general and abdominal surgery -- necessity or trend?].
abstract: The introduction of the DRG (diagnosis-related groups) system as basis for reimbursement in the German health-care system has led to a mentality of quality orientation and verification of therapeutic results. An immediate result was the formation of medical "centres" on rather different levels and consequently the inauguration of institutions, authorities, and organisations to review these centres. Finally, a range of certifications was installed in order to stratify the rather diverse aims of different centres. This review critically evaluates the current situation in the field of general and abdominal surgery in Germany.
authors.affiliation: DIAKO Ev. Diakonie-Krankenhaus Bremen, Chirurgische Klinik, Kompetenzzentrum Chirurgische Koloproktologie, Darmkrebszentrum Bremen West, Bremen, Deutschland. s.freys@diako-bremen.de
authors.forename: S M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Freys
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Strube
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Friedemann
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Franke
mesh_terms: D002568:Certification; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis / Q000639:trends; D003953:Diagnosis-Related Groups / Q000191:economics / Q000639:trends; D005544:Forecasting; D013502:General Surgery / Q000191:economics / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000639:trends*; D005858:Germany; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand / Q000191:economics / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000639:trends; D006801:Humans; D009313:National Health Programs / Q000191:economics / Q000639:trends; D011785:Quality Assurance, Health Care / Q000191:economics / Q000639:trends; D019984:Quality Indicators, Health Care / Q000191:economics / Q000639:trends; D012051:Reimbursement Mechanisms / Q000191:economics / Q000639:trends; D012955:Societies, Medical; D013043:Specialties, Surgical / Q000191:economics / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000639:trends*; D013531:Surgicenters / Q000191:economics / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000639:trends*; D014781:Viscera / Q000601:surgery*