[Changes for the field of rheumatology in the G-DRG-System 2007]

After extensive revision the partners of the self-administration"Selbstverwaltung" reached an amicable agreement on the new version 2007 of the G-DRG system. Like in the years before, version 2007 brings about large-scale changes for its users. A better representation of inpatient services in Germany combined with an improved economic homogeneity and appropriateness can be assumed. This is based on various factors, e. g. considerably increased data-quality and the optimization of technical influences on the system. Due to the rising level of complexity it is hardly possible to maintain a clinically homogeneous classification on the basis of G-DRGs. There is need [This calls] for a new approach in strategic matters. Various initiatives succeeded in a continuous improvement how the services provided by specialised rheumatologic clinics and departments are represented in the G-DRG system. Meanwhile, even under the pressure caused by the period of convergence, quality standards were focused on as well. The systematic changes of version 2007 as well as modifications concerning co-payments, coding and accounting rules relevant for rheumatologic clinics are presented and the consequences for users are discussed.