With the agreement on the Hospital Reform Adjustment Act (KHAG), the reform can now move into the next phase of implementation. Key points of the adjustment are the 61 medical service groups, which are intended to enable more specialized structures, while the federal states are given more flexibility to take regional characteristics into account.
“We expressly welcome this,” comments Sven Sauermann, Managing Director of Healthcare Heads. “Care in the different regions of Germany, such as large cities, e.g., Berlin or Hamburg, and metropolitan areas such as North Rhine-Westphalia, must be differentiated from rural regions such as the Ahr Valley.”
Parallel to the service groups, the shift toward outpatient care is being accelerated: The Hybrid-DRG Catalog 2026 has been significantly expanded and now comprises 69 Hybrid-DRGs and 904 OPS codes – including new procedures in general, vascular, and cardiac surgery. Clinics must therefore align their processes and service portfolios even more closely with outpatient potential.
Sven Sauermann: “This topic is likely to accompany us for the next 10 years and more.”
The KHAG now provides a clearer framework for quality standards and transitional provisions.
Now is the right time for the medical industry to review whether products and services need to be adapted to those developments, because the course for the coming years is being set now.
If you have any questions, please contact us and arrange a free initial consultation.
Author: Healthcare Heads GmbH
Phone: +49 431 800 1470
E-Mail: info@healthcareheads.com