Stellungnahme der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Kardiologie zur Notwendigkeit und Finanzierung stationärer psychokardiologischer Behandlung

This statement of the German Cardiac Society (DGK) emphasizes the importance and necessity for reimbursement of inpatient psychocardiological treatment, which has evolved into a crucial pillar of cardiac medicine over the past 25 years. There is a need for specialized facilities to treat patients with severe cardiac conditions and mental comorbidities or psychological risk factors; however, this evidence-based treatment concept is not adequately funded and there are no specific categories for reimbursement in the diagnosis-related groups (DRG) system. This is at odds with the increasing need for mental health care, particularly regarding heart diseases. Therefore, and because of the crucial role of these facilities in cardiology training, the DGK calls for the maintenance and expansion of psychocardiology wards as well as their appropriate funding.