Original article
The GKV pharmaceuticals market is currently under the mutual influence of central and selective contractual control instruments. This regulatory mix is characterized by a high degree of lack of transparency and regulatory incompatibilities. The discount contract system has also set in motion a development that, even in the medium term, endangers the viability of competition in various segments of the generics-capable market. In addition, negative effects on the quality of care have already been documented and are expected to become even greater in the future. Against this background, a model is outlined here that essentially establishes a corridor for GKV reimbursement prices that can be defined under therapeutic and competitive aspects, in which functional generic competition can develop. The approach takes up the idea of competition based on manufacturers' free pricing and puts this in the foreground. Political specifications for the methodology can ensure the - at least - expenditure-neutral transition from the current system to the alternative approach described. The design and implementation of the model takes into account the requirements for a simple and pragmatic solution for regulating the generic market, which is practically demonstrated by a feasibility study based on an indication group.
01.12.2009
Our healthcare system has a savings potential of at least 20, probably 25 % of its current volume, which consists of unnecessary procedures, interventions and operations, to a lesser extent unnecessary medicines, cures, administrative costs and much more. Rationing will eventually become unavoidable given demographic trends and advances in medicine that are leading to increasingly expensive procedures. However, this point in time can be significantly delayed by exhausting austerity measures.
01.12.2009
The head of IQWiG, Prof. Dr. med Peter T. Sawicki, in the MVF cover interview
01.10.2009
Birgit Fischer, stellvertretende Vorstandsvorsitzende der BARMER, im MVF-Titelinterview
01.10.2009
Kommentar von Dr. Falk Hoffmann, MPH und Prof. Dr. Gerd Glaeske
01.10.2009
How does Ms. W. from Düsseldorf choose the clinic if she needs a new hip joint? Until recently there was only one answer to this question. She was referred by her local orthopedic surgeon and may have relied on information she knew from hearsay. The question of what information the treating doctor relied on remained open. How can you assess the quality of a clinic? How can Ms. W. get information other than asking relatives, friends and acquaintances? Occasionally there are special issues of relevant magazines that publish ranking lists of the supposedly “best hospitals in Germany”. However, the methods underlying these lists are usually incomprehensible and who knows which is the best hospital for Ms. W. given her personal experiences and preferences?
01.10.2009
According to estimates from individual doctors, the vaccination status of around 40 percent of patients does not correspond to the current recommendations of the Standing Vaccination Commission. However, reliable data on the vaccination protection of outpatient primary care patients is sparse. Methods: In this study, standardized vaccination-related data were collected from patients from 118 primary care practices. Results: The results of the survey (n=557) suggest that vaccination gaps exist among older general practitioner patients and that factors influencing vaccination rates in the general practitioner sector in Germany have both patient and, in some cases, practice-specific characteristics. Conclusion: Relevant data on vaccination protection could be collected using a representative cross-sectional survey. As part of applied family medicine research, the present study contributes to improving the data situation on vaccinations in older adults.
01.10.2009
Patient coaching as an innovative service in healthcare serves the purpose of promoting therapy adherence (compliance, adherence), active participation and self-management of patients in overcoming their illness, taking into account individual preferences. In this episode, examples are given of the efficiency reserves that can be expected from patient coaching compared to the effects of drug discount agreements, and that some health insurance companies have integrated patient coaching programs into their care management as pilot projects. A classification matrix is presented for more transparency of coaching programs. In addition, numerous open questions are addressed, which could be answered by appropriate health services research.