[G-DRG Version 2004: changes in view of dermatology]

Abstract

In the year 2004 the obligatory introduction of the new hospital funding system based on a Diagnosis Related Groups (DRG) system will become reality for all German hospitals. After all fundamental items of the new G-DRG version were made generally known, the possible consequences had to be considered. The first mandatory German case-based lump sum catalogue differs importantly from the previous payment models and requires intensive study. Economic considerations will increasingly play a role in the daily routine of hospitals and influence treatment patterns. Therefore, comprehensive knowledge of basic principles of G-DRG is essential. In the following aspects of the reimbursement system with special relevance to dermatology are reviewed in detail. Additionally, the revised classification system versions OPS-301 SGB V and ICD-10-GM 2004 and the German coding standards version 2004 must be appropriately applied for dermatologic purposes.