Association has doubts about Lauterbach's hospital reform timetable
The schedule for the federal government's hospital reform is not feasible in the view of the state hospital association. "There is still no draft law, only key points," Managing Director Rainer Poniewaß told the German Press Agency. "And the year will be over in six weeks."
The reform by Federal Health Minister Karl Lauterbach (SPD), which among other things involves a change in remuneration for hospitals, is actually due to come into force at the beginning of next year. It will therefore be a topic at the Thuringian Hospital Forum in Erfurt on Thursday with representatives from hospitals and state politics.
Realistic timetable: Spring 2024
The association's managing director estimates that the reform law is more likely to come into force in spring. He believes that delays would also have an impact on hospital planning in Thuringia. The reform aims to define medical service groups and certain structural requirements for hospitals. "The state must then allocate these service groups to the hospitals," explained Poniewaß.
Work is currently underway on the new Thuringian hospital plan, which is due to come into force in the second quarter of 2024, according to earlier information from the Ministry of Health.
Clinics demand transitional arrangements for remuneration
As a result of the reform, clinics are to receive part of their remuneration in future for providing certain services - regardless of the number of patients treated. The State Hospital Association has long complained about the lack of a transitional regulation to offset rising costs for personnel and material costs.
Hospitals cannot pass on price increases. They receive fixed prices, which are usually negotiated with the health insurance companies one year in advance. According to the State Hospital Association, the average remuneration per hospital case in Thuringia this year is 3992 euros. There was a shortfall of 252 euros for cost-covering remuneration.
According to the State Statistical Office, around 502,000 people received inpatient hospital treatment in Thuringia last year. In the years before the coronavirus pandemic, the figure was almost 590,000 patients.
The lack of a transitional regulation for remuneration changes is a concern for hospitals, as they need it to mitigate increasing costs for personnel and materials. The reformed hospital remuneration system, which involves paying hospitals for certain services regardless of patient numbers, could negatively impact hospitals if not properly managed.
Given the upcoming hospital reform by Federal Health Minister Karl Lauterbach, which includes changes in hospital remuneration and other structural requirements, Hospitals in Thuringia may need to adjust their planning accordingly to align with the new regulations, potentially impacting the Thuringian hospital plan.
Source: www.dpa.com
