German Medical Association warns against ending Hybrid-DRG reforms

The German Medical Association (Bundesärztekammer) has issued a warning regarding proposed changes to the Hybrid-DRG reimbursement system. President Dr. Klaus Reinhardt stated that the abrupt termination of these hybrid diagnoses for outpatient doctors would be a “serious mistake” and would send the wrong signal for the transition toward ambulatory care in Germany.

During a hearing of the Bundestag's Health Committee, experts warned that reducing compensation could create new incentives for unnecessary inpatient treatments. While some suggest a discount of 10 to 15 percent might be tolerable, critics argue that the current reform plans decouple outpatient doctors from the necessary transformation process, potentially leading to higher long-term costs and a loss of trust among medical practitioners who have invested in outpatient surgical capabilities.