From Model to Regional Regular Care - Long-Term Effects of a Regional Budget

Abstract

Model projects of a regional budget or a model project according to § 64b SGB V have been for more than 18 years. The structural, economic, and therapeutic long-term effects are described in this paper. The model project in the Steinburg district (Schleswig-Holstein) describes the developments between 2002 (index year) and 2020 that have developed through the regional budget. The article describes the situation and its specific changes in the first german model region. There is no comparable control group. In the observed period, the number of people treated was stable within a corridor that has been in the contract with the stakeholders. Care has shifted relevantly from fully inpatient to outpatient and day clinic treatment. The costs have remained stable and thus differ significantly from the overall increase in health care costs. New supply concepts could be implemented. The model projects described lead to setting-independent care and are suitable for standard care in a defined region.