Economic outcomes after heart valve replacement surgery in Germany
Institute for Medical Outcome Research, Lörrach, Germany
* Correspondence: Dr. Rito Bergemann, Institute for Medical Outcome Research, Herrenstr. 4, D-79539 Lörrach, Germany.
Abstract
Sectional financing in the German health care and hospital system is one of the causes of suboptimal decisions in the field of heart valve replacement. Decisions are based on the impact made on hospitals' budgets and not on the direct and indirect lifetime costs associated with artificial heart valve implants. The current process of decision-making should be redefined in order to achieve the best results for the patient and for society as a whole.
Key Words: Financing • health care • heart valve replacement • inpatients • medical devices • outpatients • public health • sectional financing
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