The West German Headache Center: Integrated Migraine Care

Michael E. Porter; Clemens   Guth; Elisa  M.  Dannemiller

Case | HBS Case Collection | May 2007 (Revised July 2011)

The West German Headache Center: Integrated Migraine Care

by Michael E. Porter, Clemens Guth and Elisa M. Dannemiller

Abstract

Describes the joint efforts of the German health plan KKH and Essen University Hospital to develop an integrated practice unit (IPU), and the West German Headache Center's efforts to improve the quality of migraine care. Provides an overview of the German health care system detailing its provider, health plan, and reimbursement structure. Following new legislation in 2004, which allowed health plans and selected providers to contract outside of the regular group purchasing scheme, KKH and Dr. Deiner of Essen University Hospital developed a novel delivery structure for migraine care. Challenges and hurdles to implementation are described for both the health plan and the IPU. Provides detailed data to allow students to evaluate success, identify current challenges, and recommend improvements to the integrated care system.

Keywords: Business Model; Health Care and Treatment; Medical Specialties; Industry Structures; Service Delivery; Integration; Health Industry; Germany;

Format: Print

26 pages

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Citation:

Porter, Michael E., Clemens Guth, and Elisa M. Dannemiller. "The West German Headache Center: Integrated Migraine Care." Harvard Business School Case 707-559, May 2007. (Revised July 2011.)

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The West German Headache Center: Integrated Migraine Care

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