Payment for medical treatment is a very sensitive topic and one that in many cases decides over whether or not the decision is made for or against a hospital. HELIOS healthcare international recognizes this and provides interested patients with a cost estimate on the basis of the information provided by the patient. The entire cost structure is based on the German DRG-System, the official billing system used in Germany. Our cost estimates as well as our invoices are transparent and we we assist our international patients at any point in time should there be any questions.

Explanation of the calculation for hospital expenses

Dear patient,

ongoing we would like to give a short explanation of the calculations for hospital expenses. This is to make the estimate of cost understandable. The invoice for the general in-patient treatment in the HELIOS private clinic is based on the following guidelines: The general in-patient treatment is mainly calculated via case based lump sums (base rate), so called DRGs (diagnosis related groups).The final invoice is measured according to the individual circumstances of the case of illness.  The allocation to a specific DRG is done through different parameters. Most important parameters can be the main diagnosis as well as how complicated the actual surgery, i.e. procedure is. Every particular DRG is estimated with an appropriate relative cost weight. The base rate (determined value of a reference performed) is expressed in Euro. The relative cost weight is assigned to it, multiplied by the base rate. The calculated amount is demonstrating the costs for treatment for this particular illness (surgery or procedure done). The base rate is subject to change yearly. Multiplying the relative cost weight by the base rate, results in the cost for treatment.

Furthermore, there will be different additional charges. These are legally determined and or agreed upon with the hospital. Every single estimate of costs is based on the available data according to the present knowledge and is covering the treatment without complications. Complications include treatment in the intensive care unit.  Thus, due to unexpected complications, the estimated costs can differ substantially.