[Regional Budgets in Psychiatry: An Alternative to Hospital per Diem Charges and the New Reimbursement System? - A Case Study from the District of Dithmarschen]. / Regionalbudgets in der Psychiatrie: Eine Alternative zu tagesgleichen Pflegesätzen und zum zukünftigen Finanzierungssystem?

Objective The study looked at the impact that the switch from a reimbursement system with hospital per diem charges to a regional budget had on treatment. Methods Routine data from two clinics over a period of ten years were evaluated. Results Treatment took place in day clinics and on an outpatient basis to an increased extent after the change. Conclusion The change in reimbursement system was the cause of the change in treatment. Since similar effects can also be expected when switching from the new reimbursement system for psychiatry and psychosomatic medicine to a regional budget system, regional budgets are a reasonable alternative.