Interplay between in-patient reimbursement systems and healthcare technology management: the Austrian case

First, we analyse the healthcare delivery system in Austria. We describe the old reimbursement system for in-patients that led to mismanagement and financial problems. Then, we characterise the new performance-oriented reimbursement system for in-patients and illustrate its interplay with medical technology management. We explain the external and the internal environment of hospitals that represent a framework for the management of healthcare technologies. Additionally, we show that reimbursement systems are medical technologies that impact on healthcare technology management. Finally, we summarise the benefits and problems of the new system.