Reimbursement of radiotherapy in Germany.

Reimbursement of radiotherapy in Germany is mainly based on a certain fixed fee for treatment planning and patient set up in addition to payment per fraction. This applies to outpatient care for patients with public health insurance or private health insurance. Payment per fraction has a considerable influence on reimbursement of inpatients as well. The advantage of payment per fraction is the simplicity and transparency. The disadvantage is an inadequate reimbursement for new treatment modalities like hypofractionation or stereotactic body radiotherapy.