Perspectives and Cost Structures in the Medical Technology Industry

Due to public scandals and political intention, the medical technology industry (MedTech) becomes a central focus of the German health policy. Similar to the pharmaceutical industry, MedTech is part of the medical-industrial complex and is funded commercially. Applying the perspective of health economics on MedTech, patients and society are currently playing a subordinate role in this industry. The same has held true for health policy for a long time. However, new criteria for evaluation have been implemented with the law of health service enforcement (Versorgungsstarkungsgesetz). The cost structure is mainly formed by the acceptance of the health care provider. This acceptance ultimately decides about legally stipulated reimbursement paths for medical engineering devices. Without acceptance of the care providers, a medical product will not be used and therefore not reimbursed. Although, the business perspective gains increasing importance, the decision will be based on competition. The justification of producer prices is beyond the influence of the health care provider. Also, the legislator also does not contribute to this aspect because the economic analysis is completely neglected in the law of health service enforcement (Versorgungsstarkungsgesetz). Thus, the manufacturer's cost structure continues to be self-sufficient with proven benefits.