[Ambulatory healthcare center in the context of a rheumatology clinic].

BACKGROUND: The chronic nature of most rheumatic diseases, the complexity of the course of the disease and types of therapy used necessitate a close interlocking of inpatient and outpatient treatment options. Some years ago in Germany the interdisciplinary outpatient and inpatient treatment was facilitated by statutory regulations. As the number of rheumatologists in private practice is not sufficient to provide adequate rheumatologic outpatient healthcare, the improvement of interface points between outpatient and inpatient care becomes more important. There are various ways for hospitals to take part in outpatient care, one of which is the foundation of an ambulatory healthcare center.
METHODS: The introduction and integration of a medical healthcare center is described using an example.
RESULTS: Against the background of insufficient rheumatology outpatient care in Cologne a city with 1 million inhabitants, the establishment of a rheumatology outpatient healthcare center at Porz am Rhein which is the only rheumatology clinic in this region is described.