[DRGs in dermatology. A critical assessment]

The obligatory implementation of the DRG system in 2004 represents a fundamental change in German hospital financing. Since the first version of G-DRG catalogue was published, the final adaptation of the system to German clinical reality has consumed much time and energy. This adjustment has been very challenging for dermatology for a variety of reasons. A DRG evaluation project conducted by the German Society of Dermatology made possible improvements in the G-DRG catalogue 2004 from the perspective of dermatology. The hospitals now have to adjust to the new situation and to find their position in this system. A high coding quality is of greatest importance. When developing their clinical priorities, hospitals should not make the mistake of pursuing the temptations presented by the latest version of the DRG catalogue. Strategies of the practical use of the DRG system in hospitals are reviewed.