[Financing perspectives for multiparametric magnetic resonance prostatography].

Background: Not only is the evidence for multiparametric magnetic resonance prostatography clearly proven based on current research, the S3 guideline for prostate cancer recommends its use prior to invasive biopsy. Remuneration through the GKV does not occur.

Objectives: The negotiations concerning the inclusion in the EBM (German Uniform Evaluation Standard) Catalogue of statutory health insurance funds take place in a highly politicized environment and under economic priorities. The routes that are possible in the complex registration procedure are described.

Materials and methods: Radiology associations (Berufsverband der Deutschen Radiologen [BDR] und Deutsche Röntgengesellschaft [DRG]) have supported their methods with evidence and quality assurance. Special contracts with health insurance funds, coordinated at the level of the federal states, pave the way and accelerate accreditation.

Results: The definition of the service according to the EBM, the recommendation concerning remuneration as well as supporting documents and a functional quality assurance system have been made available to the Joint Valuation Committee of physicians & health insurance funds as part of the application for approval.

Conclusions: Due to the nature of the system, the presented evidence and quality assurance, as well as the development of special contracts, have inevitably been transferred to radiology and the unified work of their associations. The imaging modality prostatography shows the advancement of radiological methods for dedicated multiparametric organ diagnostics.