Letter Of Reconsideration Vacation Rejection

28.02.11

22:02:11 doctor comparison portal for AOK Baden-Württemberg

The AOK Baden-Württemberg deepened in mid-March to work with the compass medi GmbH . The AOK Baden-Württemberg with its 4 million members now actively recommends the dentist comparison portal Zahngebot.de to your members. The ongoing since January 2009 Cooperation between the AOK and zahngebot.de is due to the positive experiences now intensified and expanded. From mid-February, the AOK Baden-Württemberg your insured not only your internet portal on the service of Zahngebot.de out, but communicates the capabilities of Zahngebot.de also in the course of telephone counseling and service agencies. ... (Financial News)

24.02. 11 election rates: In the SHI improve the performance

had time for the year adjusted all insured under the statutory health insurance to new rules. Probably the most dramatic experience was the increase in contributions. Positive effects on the other hand the innovations being at the election rates. Here, members of the health insurance not only improve performance but are now in their rights as well as better.

election rates in the SHI - More power?

With the help of the optional plans insured by the statutory health insurance, at least in some respects similar to private health insurance patients.

Even though hardly any of the leaders like to hear this, in the eyes of the insured's health care for 2-tier health system has become. On one side are the eight million private patients, on the other hand, the members of the GKV. Use the optional plans offer health insurance a way to enjoy similar benefits as the insured private health insurance.

Thus, the insured may in rates rebates in the election claim charged directly with the doctor or take off to the reimbursement principle. In the waiting room seems to be an advantage. Especially as the deadline for remaining in this election rates for the 01 January have been eased. At the same time concerned to the collection of an additional contribution by the statutory health insurance now switch easily. Benefits, you should nevertheless consider the disadvantages.

expensive visits to the doctor

who receive medical treatment as a private patient, at first surprised at the level of costs. Especially since it is not even sure if the costs are generally covered in full by health insurance. The problem: While the doctor charge you by the GOÄ, provides for the cash-fee schedules different. It will be applied to the cost of medical expenses you would incur too loud EBM. The result: Patients have to cover a portion of the costs out of pocket.

election tariff or insurance?

The extent to which the election is to pay real rates will not be answered at this point. Instead, the reference to another solution, how can approximate the performance of SHI to a private health insurance - about insurance. The latter can be for several years to complete for specific treatment areas and thus tailored to the individual situation. (Private health insurance in comparison)

24.02.11 million fraud in HIV drugs

Originally, the preparations for patients in South Africa. Pharmaceutical distributors they are illegally brought back to Germany and have made millions €.

Several prosecutors and the Federal Criminal Police Office are a major fraud case in the pharmaceutical industry on the track. According to information from NDR Info nationwide, various pharmaceutical wholesaler for patients in Africa provided, subsidized HIV drugs in bulk, repackaging, have illegally taken to Germany and sold here with an extremely high profits.

The research showed that the HIV medications as part of the so-called bulk - so loose tablets in boxes and bags - illegally imported from South Africa to Belgium and Switzerland to Germany, although they are not allowed here. Then the vendors will have the drugs billed at regular prices. Estimates of the AOK Lower Saxony, the financial loss is only for health insurance to at least a two-digit million amount.

the accused from Schleswig-Holstein and Rhineland-Palatinate, which deny the allegations, according to NDR Info or do not comment, should have violated the drug laws. According to the prosecutor Flensburg those suspected of committing commercial fraud threatens to have between 3 months and 10 years in prison

At present we will be the effectiveness of the drugs was not affected. However, there were still investigating whether the preparations were made for example by interrupting the cold chain damage. Possibly also the expiry date had been exceeded.

busted was the alleged fraud in August 2009 Delmenhorster in a pharmacy. In subsequent studies of the drug by the Munich-based manufacturer GlaxoSmithKline have been found that had been forged among others, the outer package and the package insert. The company had withdrawn for safety reasons, the batch in question. And the manufacturer Boehringer-Ingelheim in 2009 and 2010 had recalled several batches in a similar case of an HIV drug. (Time)

24.02.11 Healthcare Centers Union poses FDP will "bow to the medical lobby" before

The coalition improve medical care, but between the armed Union and FDP is inevitable. It is about country doctors, practice centers and to the interests of doctors, health insurance, Clinics and countries.

Union and the FDP have agreed on the first outline for the planned care law. It aims to ensure that even in areas that are only sparsely populated, or have a weak social structure, the supply is guaranteed a high level. The key points for this are: better coordination of the medical establishment, more university places, reference for dentists, new rules for medical care centers and to expand cooperation between hospitals and outpatient doctors. The coalition intends to continue the talks in March. Then go to the federal-state negotiations. Early 2012, the law enter into force.

Provide dispute in particular the proposed changes in medical care centers (MCC). In MVZ doctors work as employees. Ownership of the practices are other doctors, hospitals and other private investors. MVZ are popular among young doctors, because here they have fixed working hours and income, may also operate an outpatient basis, but do not bear the economic risk of an establishment must practice. Medical boards require that only physicians may have a majority stake in MCC, to avoid any impact of activities of doctors. At the instigation of the FDP, a MCC can not be done in the form of a public company also the medical director had to work in the MVZ. Exceptions should apply to underserved areas. In the Union is outraged a "prostration of the FDP before the doctors lobby referred.

Outpatient planning is solely for the doctors and cash - so far

With better planning should be made in future ensure that not too many in one place, elsewhere settle for too few doctors. Today, the planning areas are identical to the boundaries of cities and counties. The distinction is to be flexible. It leads today to the fact that - as in Berlin, which is considered a planning area - in some districts Too many doctors, established in others too few, although statistically there is no shortage. As the small-scale planning is to be is a moot point in the coalition, according to participants. The country must now make only in the hospital planning guidelines. The outpatient plan is solely for the doctors and cash. In future, the countries have a say here and get to file a complaint. That they do not go far enough. The states have a strong position because they have to agree with the law in the Bundesrat.

doctors should also get financial incentives to settle in underserved areas. So shall dispense with them on cuts to be determined if the treatment could be exceeded should also be possible surcharges. Doctors from hospitals and rehabilitation centers will be more involved in medical care, medical care organizations must operate in an emergency and temporary clinics with salaried doctors. Doctors should be allowed to be represented, for their children for three years. can

dentists have not settlement services more than 107 million euros

for medical students are more - also co-financed by the federal government - places will be created. If you commit yourself to work later as a country doctor is, the usual Selection can work around. In addition to the approval process be changed and more geared to practical skills.

For dentists, the coalition wants to redeem its pledge to repeal the doctors as budgeting. According to calculations of the dentists' association in 2008 of the dentists services over 107 million euros was provided, but not your expense account. This does not happen in the future. The coalition is talk of additional costs in the "low hundreds of millions". In addition, the dentist's fees of the funds to be aligned. Today, pay the private plans about ten percent more per treatment point value than their competitors. This should approaching local, guild and enterprise funds increased costs, the spare cash to the same extent reduce expenses. (FAZ)

24.02.11 Electronic health card. New scheme launched in October

The constant moving is over: With almost six years late in October but will now be issued the controversial electronic health card to the citizens.

doctors and health insurers have agreed on the modalities for the financing of the terminal for the planned electronic health card. The National Association of the panel physician said on Thursday in Berlin. Before the introduction the new health card from October to get the medical and dental practices modern readers.

failures, bad luck and mishaps

The electronic health card should actually already be introduced January 2006. The aim was to simplify the administration to avoid duplicate investigations and adverse drug effects and ultimately to grant access to an electronic patient record. Technical problems and privacy concerns of the doctors, however, slowed the project. Only at the end of last year the government decided that the card is inserted but 2011 - albeit in slimmed down form.

provide cash grants

The agreement of health insurance, doctors and dentists were needed to finance the investment practices. You can get the cash for stationary reader 355 €, 215 € for the installation and mobile Readers € 280.

The insured may use the "health card" received from the end of the third quarter. But continue to apply the existing health insurance smart cards. Before 2013 will spend the cash, only electronic card, if the doctors are up to that point sufficiently equipped with card terminals.

First, the new system, especially the so-called master data of the insured online match, to prevent card fraud. Also can be stored on the emergency data card, if the insured so desires. In the medium term, physicians can share about the system of cards, readers and online connections findings and information about their patients. (Focus)

25.02.11 Many company retirees get back money from insurance

Many company retirees can now retrieve money from their insurance company. This must be wrong to report conceded contributions to health and nursing care, retroactively and that for four years. However, only if the following signs: a continuing direct private insurance runs in the name of pensioners, not to the company. If so, sufferers should take action and demand your money back, says Martin Schafhausen by the Association of Social Law of the German Bar Association (DAV). By itself it returns nothing.

funds reacted to verdict had not

In autumn last year ruled the Federal Constitutional Court: Who paid for his resignation from the company not only the articles themselves, but assumed equal to the whole pension contract completely and continues privately added, must not with health and care insurance premiums be occupied. That would be unconstitutional (Ref.: 1 BvR 1660/08). Pensioners who had written to then its cash bit, but often on granite.

"recovery are promising"

A further decision by the Federal Social Court in January this year, has now confirmed once again: you must pay definitely only on the portion that comes from the premiums paid by former employer, not even the self-financed radical (AZ.: B 12 KR 20/10). "Recovery are promising," says the Frankfurter Attorney Schafhausen.

An example: in a direct insurance are paid at age 70 000 €. 30 000 € bonuses come from the former company. The remaining 40,000 euros has raised the company retired after leaving themselves as policyholders. In that situation, the fund must not only demand on the 30,000 € health and nursing care contributions to everything settled before Andrew Heyer of the Consumer Saxony.

There is a lot of money goes to cover operating

pensioners in every case, a lot of money. The health insurance long heavily: The full contribution rate for health and nursing care for most retirees currently at 17.45 per cent (2010: 16,85 percent). Specifically, this means about 17 percent less money for those affected. If the pension paid in a lump sum of a direct insurance, the contributions are allocated to ten years. Who gets 100,000 euros for example, must pay € 145 per month contribution. Viewed over ten years, it is therefore a many thousand €.

health insurance with reference to judgments write

How can retrieve overpaid? Concerned should write to their health insurance and a review of contributions under paragraph 44 Social Code X require explains Sozialrechtler Schafhausen. This is for four years, retroactive possible. At the same time, the Supreme Court judgments of the Federal Social Welfare and the Federal Constitutional Court are given with reference number.

The letter should also stand when the direct insurance was rewritten by the company on its own behalf. And what contributions then flowed out of pocket in retirement. The insurer is then required to report on Paid for this and the previous four years. "There will benefit many people," Tanja Leopold, a lawyer specializing in labor law from Nuremberg, is convinced.

who needs assistance can get help from the consumer centers. In complicated cases, a specialist lawyer be turned on.

Many Company retirees have contracts not rewrite can

back no hope of money there is for retirees who find the look in her contract that still your company is in the insurance policy and not herself "This will be a lot of people make bitter," says Rainer Strauch , general counsel at the social VdK in Bavaria. On leaving the operating numerous contracts have remained unchanged. and not just pay the contributions themselves - who as a first private company pension agreement concluded after the termination of the operation should continue to let him rewrite complete:

important for future retirees. He becomes a purely private provision. And that may not be charged. The former employer and the provider must, however, join it. (T-online)

Which Stage Lorena Herrera Had The Cancer

21.02.11

14:02:11 physicians do not practice with her in the province

The government wants to encourage physicians who work in the country, and stop the brain drain to foreign countries. Many German doctors are unhappy, according to a study.

irritating life as a country doctor, very few medical students: Only five percent of the doctors can think of to open a practice in the country. In the case of self-employment attracts the city: 42 percent said they would settle in a big city, 36 percent in a small town. One representative survey of the research institute TNS showed on behalf of Commerzbank than 300 established and employed physicians.

"What doctors do not tell"

Nine out of ten doctors expect that the future is lacking in rural areas of medical talent. Attractive than a practice in the village is working abroad. Of the doctors who are planning a career change, it takes one third of the border. More than three-quarters believe that in future more medical centers and will communities.

The current study sheds light on two major problems in health care: The shortage of doctors in the country and the increasing migration of health professionals abroad. The average age of the German doctors now stands at 52 years. Thousands of divorce due to age over the next few years. By 2020 there will be fewer than 7000 family doctors today, expected before the medical associations. At the same time migrate more and more doctors from Germany, 2500, it was in 2009. The black-yellow coalition plans this year a law specifically to improve medical care in Germany. The focus of the Pension Act while there are no measures, the rural areas more attractive for physicians.

are planned to include financial incentives for doctors who are willing to go in under-served regions. "This may include investment subsidies, salary increases or promotion of students are," says a 14-point document of the health policy of the Union. Thought is also about setting up in depressed areas medical care centers (MCC) and physicians stations, in which doctors from different disciplines to offer consultations. In addition to hospitals and doctors work more closely together.

What practice Doctors will prefer

The surplus supply in the cities of the coalition through the acquisition approach of practices. "The previous practice in which the law can be for the settlement with the insurance companies in Germany is virtually inherited and sold to end," calling for the health policy-makers. The Pensions Act to the shortage of physicians is expected to close in March outlined at least in his key points, announces the CDU politician Health Jens Spahn. He even calls 2011 the "Year of the patient" and refers to a "challenging program in health policy." Because, besides the Pensions Act, the coalition is planning a patient's rights law, the care reform by mid-year and a law to improve hospital hygiene. Spahn: ". All actions that put the patient and his needs at the center of the considerations"

welcomed the panel physician Federation that plans to adopt the policy of the regional managed care. "The current planning is too rigid," says KBV chief Andreas Köhler. "The supply planning must be flexible and take into account the special needs of villages, small, medium and large cities." The Federal Medical Association called for the debate about the shortage of doctors making the medical profession generally more attractive.

How to the attractiveness of the profession is ordered, it also gives the Commerzbank-study information. So there a third of the physicians to be dissatisfied. However, while only one in four hospital doctor said that he was less or not satisfied with his job situation, the figure for nearly half of all doctors (44 percent).

What makes a successful doctor? This also has asked TNS Emnid. The result: work around professional competence, emotional resilience, self-motivation and the ability to draw people, according to the respondents of a good doctor. Just highlights the investigation to the relationship between patient and doctor: Because time for discussion and understanding is for the patient's situation, according to the doctors less important for a good doctor. (The World)

16:02:11 depression cost billions €

Hamburg has the most days lost in Germany because mental illness. Health insurance companies to demand more health on

usually catches the disease from creeping. We sleep at night no longer in the morning, tired and sweating and feels marginalized in the workplace. Stress and anxiety in the job to take. At the end, then often the diagnosis of depression or other mental illness. According to the Health Report the health insurance company DAK, the number of mental disorders in Germany almost doubled since 1998. "One in four women and one in eight men will once in a lifetime psychological problems attests," Hans-Peter Unger, chief doctor says the Center for Mental Health at the Asklepios Clinic Harburg. For the Health Report evaluated the DAK and the IGES institution sick leave of 2.6 million workers insured.

three days was an average of 2010 every hamburger sick due to mental disorders, according to a study presented yesterday also hosts the Health Insurance Fund (TK). Thus, the Hanseatic city on a nationwide level at the top. "Mental illnesses cause a longer disability than other ailments. The diagnosis is now recognized but the doctors in the city earlier. Patients also go faster than in the past to the doctor because depression can no longer be stigmatized as strong, "says Unger. In addition, the Hanseatic city now had a well-elaborated psychosomatic treatment system." Mild problems we are oversupplied in the city, major- disorders still underserved, "said the doctor.

In four out of five enterprises employees have high pressure

victims are not only the patient but the entire Economy. According to the Federal Statistical Office, cause mental illnesses cost a total of almost 30 billion € per year. One reason for the disease is found in the workplace, the trade-related research institute Hans-Böckler Foundation has found. "In four out of five German companies employees are constantly under extreme time and performance pressure, mental stress at work have grown in recent years," according to a study by the Institute. In 84 percent of German firms there are employees who work permanently at high time and performance pressure.

If you add up all sick leave in Germany, are, according to the technician Health insurance young workers in the top position. Are you sick twice as often as their older colleagues. The 15 - to 25-year-olds are missing, therefore an average of twice per year. Older workers were on average only once a year at home. However, take the time to failure with increasing age. While medical leaves just below the youngest employees between 15 and 19 is six days, there are the over-55s almost 19 days.

The main reason is the more severe diseases with increasing age. "Diseases such as back pain, cardiovascular disorders and mental disorders, according to experience are very lengthy occur more often in older workers, "says telecommunications expert Gudrun Ahlers." However, we also see in younger workers in recent years a significant increase in sick leave due to psychological diagnoses. "In addition to increased demands of the working world to play the uncertainty through fixed-term contracts with illness in young people a role.

companies to their employees' health promoting

DAK also surveyed 3000 people in employment aged 18 and 29. About 60 percent of young workers have thus feel more to be able to afford, as required in the job is. A prolonged underload can also cause stress.

for the German economy it is important in view of demographic change and the declining number of qualified professionals to promote the health of their employees in the long term, the TK. For years, the sickness rate in Germany is probably too low for fear of the workers before a job loss. The TK coming in 2010 Germany had a rate of 3.3 percent for its policyholders. When there are DAK 3.4 percent nationwide and 3.2 percent in Hamburg. (Hamburger Abendblatt)

17:02:11 DAK health insurance chasing criminals

Not every massage can settle on a cash cost - but often it is made

pay just is not always to the liking of the German Employees' Health Insurance. She looks at the bills very carefully - and brings more and more fraudsters to track. The abusers do not just sit in the medical profession.

in the health system more and more accounting frauds are discovered. Investigators concluded the insurance company DAK last year from 861 cases, 56 percent more than in 2009. About two million € could be retrieved in this way, shared with the DAK in Hamburg. That was 52 percent more money than last year. Manipulated give detailed accounts in all areas. Focus were just under 40 percent of remedies such as massage and speech therapy. It scams follow the medical treatment, nursing or aids such as wheelchairs and hearing aids, each with around ten percent.

were processed in 2010 total nearly 1000 new references. DAK is currently the Hamburg headquarters to 2,000 suspected cases. "Could see and bring back more money for our policyholders," "Our balance sheet for 2010, we improved research methods more cheaters and" Black Sheep, DAK said to the chief investigator Volker Heide. "The broad mass of the supplier under the contract settles and can get nothing wrong. "

The results are based, according to the DAK only to cases where there is deliberate accounting fraud with criminal backgrounds or imposed for breach of contract which, because of penalties. Monetary returns from the routine payroll audit had not been included. The DAK is working to combat misconduct in health care with other providers, associations of panel doctors and dentists as well as the police and the prosecutors together. (Focus)

18:02:11 PKV commissions

go of the criticism against high BaFin.Unionsparteien PHI commissions. FDP indicated their support. (FAZ)

18:02:11 Rösler: doctors should their services

order to improve billing (FAZ)

18:02:11 Rösler coding billing system moves the doctors

Federal Health Minister Dr. Philipp Rösler (FDP) will not reform the accounting system of the doctors for the time being. The new so-called "outpatient coding guidelines" were of the physicians' been Confederation (KBV) and the SHI-leading organization designed to enable more detailed and therefore the cost-cash settlements. Several physician groups and physician associations, individual cash (KVs) had protested vehemently against it. From the Federal Ministry of Health (BMG) said now that the Neureglung will come earlier than the end.

should

Under the new coding guidelines, the patient's diagnosis in their encrypted form in much more detail than was previously reported to the Panel. This should create the conditions to pay doctors to just after illness of their patients. Numerous medical associations worry more bureaucracy and are concerned about data protection.

Originally, the new rules are already in place at the beginning, then a transition period was agreed by mid-year. The new shift is to "allow time for all concerned partners to simplify the application in everyday practice significantly. In a letter to the parties established the provisional Rösler stop with the fact that the coalition wanted to reform the medical field this year anyway with a power law.

support in principle the Ministry of the introduction of the new guidelines: "They provide a correct and unambiguous diagnosis encryption, "said a spokesman for BMG. "This is the basic prerequisite for the health of the insured may be taken into account in the allocation of funds in public health insurance." (AP / PHARMACY ADHOC)

18:02:11 fees. Doctors unduly subordinated

What's your expense account for their treatment, measured by the fee schedules of the doctors schedule () and dentists (GOZ). The costs orders are getting on in years and should be modernized. But the mantle of the fees impeding competition. An analysis of Andreas Mihm.

Insurance companies require the ability to enter into contracts with physicians on a deviation from the tariff

18th February 2011

lawyers and notaries expect their performance after a scale of fees, architects and engineers for a fee scale, only doctors and dentists have two price lists: one for the treatment of funds insured, the bread-and-butter business of the average practice one for private patients. What is billed for their treatment is calculated, in accordance with the fee schedules the doctors schedule () and dentists (GOZ).

The costs orders are getting on in years, so has black and yellow promised their modernization. It seems that this remains, however, depend in part in the thicket of conflicting interests of physicians, state and private insurance. Only the core completed new fee structure of 85 000 dentists may soon come into force. It is regarded as an example for the financially significant reform of the scale of the 324 000 doctors, but the latter will hardly occur before the election 2013. Too big is the need for changes to the comprehensive health care reform and policy agenda with a country doctor supply.

This is not good news for doctors. Many private medical services are a necessary extra income for their survival under-funded by the treasury practices. Unlike cash, they know the patients private patients already in treatment, which brings them into euros and cents. Moreover, they can easily settle on performance drivers several times the rate of royalty. Not least, private medical services, other than cash benefits, not limited in quantity. The doctor can diagnose and treat what he deems necessary, the costs are passed on to private insurance. This is reflected in their spending. Commutes Proportion of outpatient treatment costs to the expenditure of the funds for years around 17 percent, he is in private insurance to 24 percent.

insurance industry fears cost push

From the perspective of the doctors could all remain so if performance specifications and cost estimates did not come from the eighties. Since then, new treatment methods were introduced, inflation has nibbled at the fee. There are constant therefore conflict with patients and insurance companies for the "right" interpretation of the tariff. want to see

As much therefore the insurance industry, these uncertainties adjusted, so much fear they right to a cost push through the revision of fee schedules. It requires, therefore, the possibility of concluding contracts with physicians on a deviation from the tariff. The under high cost pressure private insurers to justify not necessary savings but plan to improve quality: more money for more quality, but based on a narrowly calculated fee structure. Also, it was free the doctors to accept the offers. Encouragement learns the private insurance in the interior ministries. They see a chance, its growing aid spending for the privately insured officials reduced.

dispute clause

The Medical Association in which a vigorous campaign there, rejects this, as well as the Dental Council. Both drives the fear of price-cutting and "destructive" competition, before the possible loss of free choice of doctor and alteration of the supply. But the accusations have no reason to deny clauses. Conversely, a shoe out of it: the mantle of the fees regulations impeding competition for prizes and services to ensure quality. If that was not a starting point for a liberal Minister of Health.

can Philipp Rösler But in a dispute with doctors, state and private insurance gain little. Therefore much to be said for a Postpone with doctors and a lukewarm compromise the dentists with adherence to a little better tariff. Because the private insurance saves money, and the doctors have been spared the clause.

But why should not apply to private insurance, which can be insured patients for several years at the supply - to use special offers to their insurance companies, such as special treatment contracts - voluntary and in moderation? Many doctors have made it experiences. In this respect, sound survey of private insurance, which the doctors were open to selective contracts over plausible.

involve clauses for the private insurers but also risks. So far they are only in relationship to their customers. The more they turn on in the care given and negotiations with the doctors, the closer they move to the statutory funds. There is no indication if they adjust the systems to compete for better care. But then the next step would be not far off: the cost to a single order for cash and private patients of doctors and dentists, as with the lawyers and notaries, architects and engineers. (FAZ)

18:02:11 The rate of doctors is not yet the time being amended

really is in the coalition agreement that is to be renewed, the fees for doctors in this legislative period. This is now adjourned, as the FAZ has learned. Instead, only the dentists' fees are amended. For patients, this could be expensive.

By Andreas Mihm

14th February 2011

The black-yellow coalition wants to amend no longer meet their commitments in the coalition agreement, the fees of doctors in this legislative session. "On the agenda is only the reorganization of the scale of the dentists," the FAZ learned from well-informed Circles of the government coalition. The new fee structure of the dentists are on the fee increases to 10 percent in the conversation, should therefore be introduced without delay. For this Thursday, a top-level talks with representatives of the Federal Chamber of Dentists and the Association of Private Health Insurance (PHI) with Health Minister Philippe Rösler (FDP) is attached.

The fee schedules are the fees covered by the 326 000 84 400 active physicians and dentists for the treatment of private patients expense account. Both fee schedules are from the eighties and are therefore not as many medical innovations. Therefore, it always comes back to battle about the "right" amount of the settlement between patients, insurance companies and doctors. Against the background is what the years by doctors and dentists reform demanded a new description of the benefits associated with an increase in fees would be. could

fee increase for dentists to insured patients by beating

The Federal Chamber of Dentists in such a specially provided recalculation had calculated an increase of 55 percent. Because such gains, however, are not enforceable, it brought in political discussions, no such claim. Involved in the talks expect that will come out on balance an increase in "low double-digit percentage range." Such a fee increase at the dentists could in part be felt among patients on a cash, because teeth are treatments that go beyond the standard care of the cash, paid for by private fees. Dentists make about 40 percent of their income from private fees, and the rest from the settlement with the insurance. to be charged

The Association of Private Health Insurance (PHI), which has long complained about more than the cash and avoid further cost increases will as far as possible, opening clauses required in the fee schedules. This should he Enabling legal depart from the tariff and to meet with individual physician groups and special performance fee arrangements - like the rules at the box office doctors. Such clauses in private insurance are accepted by doctors and dentists strongly. According to surveys of private health insurance is the resistance in the medical profession itself was only modest. Doctors and private health insurance have submitted their opposing views and arguments in the past week, publicly and in mass mailings to politicians.

The position is for the Federal Health Ministry, which issued the regulations must not become easier, that other government departments and the countries have a say. It is precisely the interior ministries as carriers of the aid for private health insurance of officers such as private health insurance are interested in possible cost savings. The negotiations at government level in Berlin are still in progress, countries must also agree.

The government, it seems obvious politically attractive, to avoid a major conflict with the doctors on one side and the private insurance on the other side of the road by drops the "big" reform of the medical fees until further notice, regardless of the down in the coalition agreement: "The rate of doctors is the current state of scientific knowledge adapted. It will cost trends are taken into account. "facilitates argumentative action by the forthcoming election in June, the Bureau of the Federal Medical Council, which conducts the negotiations.

contrast to the negotiations on the fee structure of dentists (GOZ) will be completed soon. The dispute about this clause is a compromise in the call after the private insurance could negotiate fees for laboratory services separately. For dentists this fall at the fee volume is not significant. (FAZ)

18:02:11 / 01 March 2009 Government: No Reform of the dentist's fees

threatened by the ongoing dispute over the doctors' fees is now also a dispute over the fees of dentists. On the new pricing plan that would have the dentists ten percent higher fees introduced, will give the government. The reform is of concern to all patients. is

By Andreas Mihm, Berlin

Going to the dentist and financially painful: Patients must be part of the services themselves often pay

01 March 2009

The federal government will waive the fee proposed reform of dentists and the prepared regulation to the Federal Council not expected to present for decision. That said, the Parliamentary State Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health, Marion Caspers-Merk (SPD) of the FAZ

After her reading the some 55,000 practicing dentists escapes to a fee increase for non-paid for by health insurance benefits of 10 percent. The dentists, who does not fit the direction of reform deny this bill. The fee structure of the dentists (GOZ) was last reformed in 1988, against the wishes of doctors.

The reform is of concern to all patients. For in contrast to general medical need for dental treatment even insured patients often pay a portion of the services themselves. Hogue after the tariff.

"50 percent more, which is completely utopian"

Caspers-Merk said her house was ready, submit the draft to the Cabinet. "However, this depends on whether the actors do anything, just that it seems to me, but currently not the case at all." The dentists do not accept the reform, "because they have sufficient 10 percent no more, the private health insurance and the interior ministers are against because it gives them too much money. "The Home Secretary must apply for aid for the privately insured officers and therefore have to power expansion as little interest as the private health insurance.

"The dentists do 50 percent more, this is totally unrealistic, especially in an economy like ours," said Caspers-Merk. Because dentists deny that the reform at the end would have actually provided an increase of 10 percent, would be guaranteed the volume. "But that was the dentists not enough, have never contributed constructively to a regulation."

negotiations not to procrastinate

The SPD Health politician, the officials warned of the misconception that they could under a different government constellation cut after the election the better. The next parliament will not have more money than the present. "I do not believe you about new negotiations over the fees the dentists so an offer can be maintained, we live in the worst possible time for fees in the double-digit percentage range."

The President of the Federal Chamber of Dentists, Peter Engel, reaffirmed its basic criticism of the reform proposal. The Ministry called the output volume increase by 10 percent follow only the addition of new services in the fee structure. This had already been provided but similar to other positions and the scale been settled. Also, the fees are positions incomplete and "not in conformity with the principles of modern scientific dentistry. Do not agree with the dentists are particularly trying, the level of private medical fees adapt to the health insurance. (FAZ)

Rape And Grope In Train

14.02.11

10:02:11 insured patients have to pay more for drugs

per pack on average 2.40 euros to fork out extra. Non-prescription drugs, health insurance does not reimburse.

2.40 euros per pack, on average: state patients need for prescription drugs to more and more into their pockets. In 2010, they had to pay some 1.8 billion € to the medically prescribed drugs, said the Federal Union of German Associations of Pharmacists (ABDA) with. These were 71 million euros more than in 2009.

Legally insured patients, need for medicines on prescription more and more into their pockets. In 2010, they had to pay some 1.8 billion € to the medically prescribed drugs, said the Federal Union of German Associations of Pharmacists (ABDA) with. These were 71 million euros more than in 2009. One reason for the increase is the Reduction of many fixed amounts and co-payment exemption limits by the statutory health insurance 1 September.

had to shell out the cash in the average patient has been calculated that the 2.40 euros per pack. In the years 2007, 2008 and 2009 the rate was 2.30 euros. co-payments for prescription drugs, each insured patient ten percent of the sales price - at least five euro, but no more than ten euros. The additional payment shall, however, never higher than the actual price. According to Pharmacists Association, the trend is for co-payments for years upwards. 2007, the rate was 1.626 billion, 2008 has 1.674 billion, 1.696 in 2009 and 2010, finally EUR 1,767 million. Non-prescription drugs - including most cold remedies - by the health insurance since 2004 for adults do not pay more anyway. (Rtr Hamburger Abendblatt)

28.07.10 long distances and long waiting times

Because it is missing from the country of doctors have to take patients for a doctor's visit more and more roads and long waits at the .

In rural areas must take patients for a doctor's visit more and more roads and long waits on himself. The shortage of doctors, the hospitals in the re- or create new appointments to bodies makes the impact is also to patient care. There are no family doctors in particular.

which not only areas in the northern and eastern Germany are affected. Even in Hesse, it is not secluded regions in which to settle GP reluctantly. In the conurbation of the Rhine-Main area missing after calculation of the physicians' association England (KVH), about 30 family physicians - only 14 in the district of Darmstadt-Dieburg. This plan is in demand behind the district of Kassel, relates to what the supply of family physicians, the greatest need help. The Rheingau-Taunus-Kreis with seven open spots before the Fulda district. And in the Frankfurt will be searched four doctors, as many as in the Vogelsberg.

search for a successor will be more difficult

for the practice owner, it is increasingly difficult to find a successor. Thus they miss but income they had planned for their retirement. Since the average age is the Hesse family physicians in nearly 53 years, the situation will get worse.

existence as a country doctor from a dream very few young doctors. They want, according to the state medical board would rather make a career in a hospital. Estimated there would mainly work on with colleagues and research opportunities and training.

The classic country doctor, however, is a lone warrior who must deal with other than a long day at work and emergency services at night and in the evening. This burden discourages many as 60 percent of female graduates. After long study, they often think after about a family foundation. But a maternity leave or part-time job is to organize in their own practice is difficult.

No lush merit

Furthermore, not the rural doctors, their use thanks to a sumptuous earnings. The general practitioners feel in recent times rather than losers in the health sector. In Hesse, according to the deputy chairman KVH-Gerd Zimmermann, around a quarter of family doctors in the past year, wage losses. In June, the family doctors pulled out of the meeting of representatives from the KVH to protest against the proposed fee division. The reform will lead to general practitioners another three million euros per quarter would get less, shared with her association. The KVH-chairman Bert Margita criticized the ongoing reforms in health care led to an uncertain income situation for the doctors who would be complicated by recourse systems. Even Health Minister Philippe Rösler (FDP) had at the Spring Health Economics Association Rhein-Main in Frankfurt said it could not be that a practicing knew only considered after two years what he deserved. were

With such uncertain income make no repayment plans, says Bert. To take a practice or open, the doctors need from the bank, however, a start-up capital. To this risk could be just a few.

complaints about shortage of doctors had

In the nineties, however, still many physicians sought independence. To ensure that the practices could contribute economically to their number was limited. The then planning should be introduced also ensure that enough doctors are available everywhere and the clenched practices not only in major cities.

were defined planning areas, the limits of which are based in Hesse to the counties, and ratios that indicate how many patients may come to a doctor. For practitioners, the sample size is just under 1000, for specialists, even higher. Whether an area is under-or over-supplied, is the national committee of physicians and health insurance be based on these specifications.

But even in areas that are supplied as the lush, citizens, and politicians complain of a shortage. Sun recently approached the city on Haiger the physicians' association, because it fails to locate a new doctor in town. The practices are concentrated in the Lahn-Dill-Kreis strong in Wetzlar, and Dillenburg, Herborn and are well cared for. In contrast, there are not a single victory Bach family doctor.

image campaign for the country doctor's

As KVH-chairman Bert said this development was inconceivable only a few years. To prevent such abuses, the planning areas would be reduced. Given the demographic trend - the patients are living longer, their treatment is caused by multiple diseases demanding - moreover, the ratios be reconsidered, she recommended.

the Hessian Ministry of Health sees the light of the difficult situation, forced to act. First, according to department manager Jörg Osmers an image campaign for the country's doctor is planned. Hesse also will seek to ensure that each medical faculty gets a chair in general practice. A demand that has made the state medical board also. It is conceivable, according to Osmer also introduce in the allocation of places a quota for rural doctors.

create incentives for primary care office

measure would encourage the primary care office created to be responsible in the physicians' association, state medical association and the Ministry agree. Local authorities should, for example, practice rooms be made available which are suitable for communities. They would also support the doctors in the relief and emergency arrangements.

In the country could be part approvals, branch practices that contribute simultaneous inpatient and outpatient activity or telemedicine to improve care. Because of the increasing number of women in medicine had to reconcile work and family life can be improved. Offers a flexible child care would be, for example in cooperation with local Hospitals conceivable.

An attempt by the physicians' association (KV) in Thuringia had run promising Osmers reported. There, the CA took over empty clinics and doctors employed. They would not have the economic risk and could be incorporated gradually into the bureaucracy. Most of them had taken over the practices after a few years. (FAZ)

12:02:11 inequality insured by law. Rösler resists penalties

When doctors prefer private patients and can legally wait insured, they are fine . Pay The wish in any case, the SPD. The Minister of Health is against it. He would rather create incentives to alleviate the shortage of doctors.

Federal Health Minister Philipp Rösler (FDP) has rejected a legal action against unequal treatment of cash and private patients, and promotes instead for measures against the shortage of doctors.

"penalties, as envisaged by the SPD are the wrong approach. A further exodus of doctors would be the result, "the FDP politician said on Saturday the news agency DAPD. The SPD group had previously prepared a draft law also provides for penalties for doctors who are private patients prefer.

Roesler said "intelligent it is against the shortage of doctors take action, especially in the countryside. . This helps to reduce waiting times particularly for the publicly insured "

" punishments instead of incentives - that's typical social-democratic "

In the Bild am Sonntag," the minister criticized according to preliminary report, "It is typical of social democratic, to . penalties rather than incentives to put "The problem of long waiting times for an appointment, he sees the shortage of physicians founded:" It is doctors who work in underserved areas have particularly many patients and very little available dates. Therefore, we must ensure that more young people to become a doctor -. Especially in rural areas "

Rösler exhorted the doctors, health insurance patients not to have to wait too long. "Basically, doctors are obliged by law to treat insured within a reasonable period of time. In acute cases, immediately, "he told the paper. (FAZ)

What Is Satanic Mantra

07.02.11

1:02:11 peak of MRI examinations. German land more often in the tube

Almost every German in 2009 at least once been to the doctor - despite the consultation fee and usually long waiting periods. While nine out of ten men sought medical advice, it was even 96 percent for women, as is evident from the "Doctors Report 2011" of the Barmen GEK. Overall, the average was 93 percent.

The diagnosis of high blood pressure is more common than in the east to the west.

Most outpatient diagnosis: high blood pressure. Some 25.7 percent of patients in Germany suffer from the disease, therefore, including a disproportionate number of East Germans. were nearly a quarter of Germans, according to study back pain diagnosed. The diagnosis of obesity were 7.8 percent.

Off to the tube!

is striking the rapid increase in computer and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). More and more patients in Germany can be expensive for diagnostic images by light with high technology. The proportion of people with at least one MRI increased from 2004 to 2009 by 41 percent. In computed tomography (CT), it was 26 percent.

At least in the Kernspintomograhie Germany is the world leader. This investigation by means of radio waves and magnetic fields, according to undergo "medical report" in 2009, nearly six million citizens. In computed Germany is the world in the middle - about six percent of the population underwent her in 2009. The investigations be used in suspected bone damage, cancer, inflammation and other ailments.

Total cost: 1.76 billion euros

700 euros will cost an MRI examination. The machine will cost 750,000 euros.

The investigation is expensive: According to Barmer vice chairman Rolf-Ulrich Schlenker, total costs amounted to 1.76 billion euros. He warned that should an automatic system, which an MRI would be used only because the unit was standing in the practice of not giving it. Study author Friedrich Wilhelm Schwartz doubted the usefulness of CT and MRI show a mass deployment. Similarly, as in Switzerland and in Germany would in less than 50 percent of these images flood meaningful consequences for therapy drawn.

Colorful images are popular

doctors resort to charges of Hanover Health researcher on all possible occasions to these methods. Afterwards the images were not evaluated or wrong often. Recognized losses were often well-untreated, would probably also damage therapy, which affected not the patients. The study authors also think it likely that the MRI results the beauty of colorful pictures to help that many wanted the investigation.

One reason for the boom, according to Schwartz could be the wide distribution of a total of 4,500 CT and MRI equipment in Germany. So expensive as an MRI machine € 750,000 upwards - for € 700 cost of an investigation need a doctor more than 1000 times until the machine count.

Barmer GEK had for the examination, the patient data of 8.2 million policyholders of the former Gmünder spare cash (GEK) evaluated from 2004 to 2009 and projected to the total population. (ARD Tagesschau)

04:02:11 elephant wedding planned at the largest health insurer

blazes in the statutory health insurance at an elephant wedding. According to a newspaper report, wish to go together the engineers and the CCH Health Insurance Alliance and the largest health insurance company in Germany are. Then the board members had already agreed, reports the "People's Leipziger Zeitung. TK has, according to the paper 7.6 million insured persons KKH 1.86 million. So far the Barmer GEK with 8.6 million insured, the number one. (Focus)

04:02:11 health insurance reject alleged merger

Technicians Insurance (TK) and the CCH-alliance have a report about an alleged merger the market leader in Germany rejected strictly. there were no negotiations and no merger, it said on Friday in the TK Hamburg. "The newspaper report is based on false information and is fictitious," said the alliance with CCH in Hanover. "The claim that the Board is to advise in its next meeting on the merger, is not true." The "Leipzig People's Daily had reported that the boards of both funds have already agreed to the merger. TK has, according to the paper 7.6 million insured persons, the CCH-alliance 1.86 million. So far the Barmer GEK with 8.6 million insured, the number one. (AP, Hamburger Abendblatt)

07:02:11 For the first time decreasing drug spending expected

expect after years of sharp cost increases in the pharmacies for the first time this year, declining costs for medicines in Germany. "In the current year are likely to spend the insurance companies for the first time less for drugs than last year."

That said, the chairman of the German Pharmacists' Association (DAV), Fritz Becker, the news agency dpa on Sunday in Berlin. 2010, there were loud DAV only an increase of 1.1 percent to 27.9 billion euros without vaccines. The main reasons were a slightly lower number of delivered drug packages (731 million units) and the laws of health savings Minister Philipp Rösler (FDP). The coalition had already before the decided at the beginning of the year came into force the restructuring of the pharmaceutical market increased mandatory discount to get the runaway costs under control.

The savings rebate contracts with manufacturers to cash, according to DAV 2010, approximately € 1 billion. This was contained in the official output data did not at first, because the cash the money until later zurückbekämen.

"attracts the politically desired savings that are beyond the pharmacists additional burden," said Becker. The coalition did indeed want to be bothered by a pharmacy and wholesale discount both sides with 200 million euros a year, but pass on the wholesale its share of the pharmacies. "However, we defend ourselves," said Becker. The 21 500 pharmacies downside, five large retail groups. More and more pharmacies would close.

The drug expenditure was loud DAV 2007 at 24.5 billion euros, and in subsequent years, they first increased to 25.8, then to 27.6 billion euros. Because of different calculation bases, the official figures of the funds to higher expenditure on medicines. (Süddt.Ztg.)