At its federal conference, the German Association for Integrated Health Care (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Integrierte Versorgung – DGIV) presented the results from its current survey „Monitoring IV“. Main result is that – despite rudimentary governmental support of innovative projects – health insurance companies do see potential for a development of integrated health care and other selective forms of health care.
The survey of 145 insurance companies was commissioned by DGIV in cooperation with the German Association for Managed Care (Bundesverband Managed Care – BMC). „The insurance companies have developed a substantial number of interesting projects in the last years – many of whom will continue for years to come“, head of DGIV Stefan G. Spitzer has observed. And head of BMC Volker Amelung points out: „We have always believed that integrated care is better than its reputation. Now we have got the valid data to reinforce our assumption.“ Thereby, DGIV disputes the SVR (Advisory Council on the Assessment of Developments in the Healthcare System) survey conclusion that no significant growth is in sight.
Comment: Most of the integrated care contracts apply to specific indications. It is possible, though, to conclude so called population-based contracts for whole population groups. The problem in concluding an agreement on integrated health care is not so much in acquiring contractual partners (care providers) but in controlling patients. Integrated health care can only be implemented succesfully when a sufficient amount of patients enrolls. The health insurers‘ information of patients and its communication with patients is the key to success when it comes to integrated care.
[ilink url=“http://www.dgiv.org/cmsMedia/Downloads/Presse/051232_DGIV_Pressemitteilung_Monitoring-IV-II-2012.pdf“] Link to source (DGIV)[/ilink]
[ilink url=“http://www.dgiv.org/cmsMedia/Downloads/Publikationen/Monitoring_IV-Ergebnisse.pdf“] Results of M-IV II[/ilink]