文摘
The ambulatory specialist treatment (ASV) was developed through a logical progression taking into account both the demands of modern oncological medicine and, more significantly, the politically supported trend for hospitals to promote the outpatient care sector. It encounters an established system of cooperation and networking. Specialized oncology practices have cooperated for years within diverse settings. The ASV is an important and correct step towards standardized quality requirements, uniform access, novel services and no restrictions in budget. However, the start-up has been dogged by numerous very complex problems. The lack of a boundary with the inpatient sector, of unclear regulations on prescription of drugs and of straightforward billing continues to confuse matters. The correction processes with respect to numbers of hospitalized patients and to access solely to specialized physicians is not acceptable. The ASV is an advancement; however, in comparison to enterprises focused on maximizing profits, penetrating further into outpatient oncological care and representing the entire value-added chain, specialized oncological practices are at a clear disadvantage. Keywords Ambulatory specialist treatment Oncological care Medical oncology Oncological specialty practices