The Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG) has been awarded the first six contracts by the Federal Ministry of Health to prepare scientific recommendations for minimum reserve numbers in hospital care. This marks a concrete step in the hospital reform of 2024.

The orders relate to the following service groups:

• Hip endoprosthetics
• Revision of hip endoprosthetics
• Knee endoprosthetics
• Revision of knee arthroplasty
• Surgical / interventional carotid artery
• Complex peripheral arterial vessels

IQWiG has until the beginning of August 2026 to process the orders. A specially developed methodology is used that takes into account both quality and profitability criteria.

Tim Mathes, Head of IQWiG’s Health Economics Department, explained that these orders had given the starting signal for concrete projects. With its recommendations, the institute wants to contribute to high-quality and future-proof care for patients.

IQWiG’s recommendations serve as the basis for analyses by the Institute for the Remuneration System in Hospitals (InEK) on the effects on the number and geographical distribution of hospital locations. On this basis, the Federal Ministry of Health determines the minimum reserve figures by ordinance, which still requires the approval of the Bundesrat.

The determination of minimum reserve numbers is intended to ensure the quality of inpatient care for complex services and to promote concentration at suitable locations. The first six service groups are the prelude to further orders in the coming years.

Further information:

Projects & Results | IQWiG.de

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Editor: X-Press Journalistenbüro GbR

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