On June 18, 2025, the Gemeinsame Bundesausschuss (G-BA) finalized changes to the Mindestmengenregelungen (Mm-R) for the year 2026, setting new minimum service requirements for accredited hospitals under §108 SGB V.
The G-BA’s decision, based on §136b SGB V, mandates a revision of the technical specifications governing the collection and transmission of hospital performance data. The Institute as per §137a SGB V is tasked with developing and disseminating these specifications, ensuring compliance through updated algorithms and data handling protocols. Detailed documentation will be accessible via the Institute’s website, facilitating transparent and standardized reporting across various medical specialties.
Regulatory Changes
The adjustments incorporate the latest recommendations from the Institute, addressing previously identified gaps and aligning with current healthcare standards. Specific modules, such as liver, kidney, and heart transplantations, have been meticulously outlined with corresponding OPS codes and ICD diagnoses to streamline data accuracy. Additionally, the revision introduces new performance areas and modifies existing ones to better reflect the evolving medical landscape.
Implementation Guidelines
Hospitals must adhere to the updated specifications by the end of June 2025, allowing a six-month period for software upgrades and staff training. Data submissions will utilize the Krankenkassenkommunikationssystem (KKS) with enhanced encryption measures to secure patient information. The Institute recommends a three-month testing phase post-release to ensure seamless integration and address potential discrepancies before the new standards take effect in January 2026.
Inferences derived from the G-BA’s decision include:
- Hospitals will need to invest in IT infrastructure to comply with the new specifications.
- Enhanced data accuracy may lead to more precise funding allocations based on service volumes.
- Specialized training programs will become essential to manage the updated reporting requirements.
The updated Mm-R ensures that hospitals maintain a high standard of care by meeting defined service thresholds. This move not only promotes consistency in healthcare delivery but also enhances the reliability of performance data used for policy-making and resource distribution. As hospitals prepare for these changes, proactive measures in technology and training will be crucial for smooth transition and sustained compliance.
Stakeholders are encouraged to review the detailed specifications promptly to mitigate any operational disruptions. By embracing these updates, the healthcare system can achieve greater transparency and efficiency, ultimately benefiting patient care and institutional accountability.
The G-BA’s proactive approach in updating the Mm-R reflects a commitment to continuous improvement in the German healthcare framework, ensuring that service provision evolves in tandem with medical advancements and societal needs.
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