On April 28th, the University of Minnesota hosted the 5th annual American & German Healthcare conference. Ulla Schmidt underscored the fierce opposition that health care systems and health care providers had against any changes to Germany’s health care delivery system in her speech to a high profile audience.
Doctors and hospital administrators wouldn’t even consider the apparent advantages of reform measures at this time.
A crucial part of the newly in place “health funds” is the incentive model which now is available not only for “private” insurance but for any insurance provider in Germany. This cash back model incentivizes both the health plans as well as the insured to use resources in the most efficient way.  
Relating to health IT and particularly the electronic health card Schmidt said: “Physicians fear transparency more than the devil fears Holy water!”
Schmidt’s comments supported the EpiHelp concept as it could contribute significantly to increasing efficacy by displaying treatment options for individuals that are rated by a multitude of relevant peers. In addition, EpiHelp is system-independent and thus will provide clean data points that will support the most relevant outcomes for the user.

 

http://www.cges.umn.edu/outreach/healthcare.htm