[The new federal patient insurance regulation--initial experiences with implementation and preparation for 1996].

It is reported about the state of implementation of the new compensation system for inpatient care. Problems arise especially in determining flat "prices" for case and treatment categories (similar to diagnosis related groups). With regard to the obligatory introduction of the new system in 1996, hospitals have to make far-reaching internal changes, especially in accountancy and documentation. Obligations of hospitals to data transmission to the sickness funds and resulting administrative expenditure has to be confined to what is ultimately necessary.