Hamburg clinics are happy about 4.36% more money for treatments!

Hamburg's hospitals will benefit from a significant increase in financial resources from 2025. According to a report by the South German newspaper The clinics will receive a 4.36 percent increase in remuneration for their services in 2023. This agreement was reached between the health insurance companies and the Hamburg Hospital Association.

The state base case value, which is used to calculate the flat rate per case for treatment, will be increased from 4,207.14 euros to 4,390.67 euros. In total, the financial resources for clinical applications amount to 2.2 billion euros, with an additional 450 million euros available specifically for nursing staff costs. The new value will be invoiced from January 1, 2025.

Treatment numbers and structure of hospital financing

In 2023, Hamburg hospitals treated almost 472,000 patients, with a total of 30 clinics billing based on the state base case value. The investments in the clinics are covered by the city of Hamburg.

A comprehensive analysis of hospital financing shows that full and part-time inpatient services are reimbursed in around 1,900 hospitals via the DRG system (Diagnosis Related Groups) in accordance with Section 17b of the Hospital Financing Act, as shown on the website National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Funds is explained. Details on remuneration are also set out there in the Hospital Fees Act and in the flat rate agreement per case.

The hospitals receive a flat rate per case to cover their operating costs per patient. The flat rate per case is adjusted using a valuation ratio that is based on the average costs. Particularly demanding cases, such as heart transplants, have a higher rating ratio than less complex treatments, such as appendectomy.