[Design of early detection programs by the Federal Joint Committee]

Early detection examinations are basic services covered by the statutory health insurance. They serve to identify severe, treatable diseases at an early stage. In Germany, the Federal Joint Committee plays a key role in this context: it uses evidence-based criteria to determine which examinations are part of standard care, under what conditions and how quality is ensured. The range of services is broad and includes prenatal care, neonatal screening, examinations in childhood and adolescence, general health examinations and early cancer detection. This article explains the current system and describes how it is continuously adapted to the latest medical findings. Benefit-risk assessments, guidelines from professional associations, hearings and consultation procedures and legislative initiatives shape the further development. When explaining reform options, particular attention is paid to the obstacles posed by current data protection regulations in the evaluation of programs.