Short-Stay Flat Rates (Kurzzeitpauschalen) – Kalms Consulting GmbH Offers Initial Guidance
The German healthcare system is under pressure. In April 2026, the Health Finance Commission presented 66 proposals, approximately three-quarters of which are to be implemented by the Federal Ministry of Health. The exact details of the legislation are currently under discussion.
This includes a change in reimbursement for inpatient care. As early as 2023, cross-sector flat-rate reimbursements, so-called “hybrid DRGs,” were introduced, allowing both hospitals and contracted physicians in private practice to provide certain treatments.
To enable hospitals to provide additional outpatient treatments, so-called “short-term flat-rate payments” (Kurzzeitpauschalen) are to be introduced, which will allow treatments lasting 0–3 days for specific indications. These short-term flat-rate payments are to be reviewed annually and, if necessary, transferred to the AOP catalog or incorporated into a hybrid DRG.
The introduction of the option to perform additional procedures in the hospital without an overnight stay creates attractive opportunities for these procedures.
Kalms Consulting offers all interested companies a package for strategic consulting and guidance at an attractive fixed price.
At attractive special rates, our experienced staff will discuss the following strategic questions with you:
- Could your procedure be affected by the short-stay flat rates?
- Will this happen in the future?
- What opportunities does this present for your procedure?
- What steps are necessary to prepare your company and your clients for the introduction of the short-stay flat rates (Kurzzeitpauschalen)?
Please feel free to contact us for this package or an expanded consulting offer!
Published on: April 30, 2026
