SpiFa warns German healthcare reimbursement changes may discourage outpatient care

The Association of Specialist Physicians in Germany (SpiFa) has issued a warning regarding planned changes to the hybrid-DRG reimbursement system set for 2027. According to SpiFa, the new regulations may create financial incentives for hospitals to keep patients overnight rather than discharging them after outpatient procedures.

Under the proposed changes, medical services provided without an overnight stay would be reimbursed exclusively according to the fee schedule for contract physicians. In contrast, inpatient treatments involving an overnight stay would continue to receive the hybrid-DRG flat rate. SpiFa argues this reversal of policy will discourage the shift toward ambulatory care, potentially leading to increased hospital stays, higher costs for patients and insurance providers, and unnecessary strain on hospital beds and nursing staff.