Special medical outpatient care-3.5 years of outpatient specialist care in rheumatology An inventory

Background In 2012 the outpatient specialist medical care (ASV) was introduced as an intersectoral, interdisciplinary, outpatient care concept. As from 19 April 2018 there is the possibility to form teams for the ASV for rheumatic diseases in adults as well as in children and adolescents.. Material and methods Analysis of previously unpublished data of the National Confederation of Statutory Health Insurance (GKV-SV) and of data of the ASV service department and a comparison with data of standard healthcare services and with the previous care concept of outpatient care in hospitals (ABK). Results After its introduction for 3.5 years, the ASV in rheumatology for adult care has developed into a significant healthcare model for rheumatologists in private practices and hospitals. There were 57 teams consisting of 458 rheumatologists in ASV rheumatism for adults, which represent 44% of all rheumatologists involved in adult care. For children and adolescents, there were 7 teams with 19 pediatric rheumatologists, i.e. 8% of pediatric rheumatologists in health care. The number of patients treated was still significantly lower than the potential, but showed a strong increase. Almost 64,000 adults and 811 children and adolescents were treated in the ASV in the second quarter of 2021. Outlook Whether the facilitation of outpatient care and the introduction of hybrid diagnosis-related groups planned in the coalition agreement will spur the ASV development remains to be seen.