Legal basics for intersectional co-operation in the health system

The health system in Germany is defined by a sharp division between ambulant treatment by general practioners on the one hand and stationary on the other hand. A division of this sort can not be found in other European health systems. This division has a disadvantageous effect both medical and socio-economic. The result is a loss in effectivity and efficiency which can not be determined in this degree in health systems with integrated treatment structures. This is regarded as the cause for the continuing increase in the cost of the German health system. In particular specialist areas which span both sectors per se for example physical medicine and rehabilitation experience medical restrictions because of inadequate cooperation between the sectors. In the past the legislature has conceded changes to the legal structure to increase the level of integration in treatment. This is outlineded here.