[Taking stock after 400 days: the effects on ambulatory care from a medical point of view].

: After 400 days of integrated care the number and content of existing contracts are not yet known. This nationwide anonymity might be the result of a competition between present health insurers and healthcare providers. Anyway, it does not contribute to the quality of healthcare. Taking the contract signed with the AOK Bavaria and comprising the integrated care of patients with prostate carcinoma, prostate adenoma and prostatitis as an example the contents and consequences of this agreement will be described. Advantages and disadvantages for the parties involved are explained. Integrated care might be one of the contributions needed to effect the necessary structural changes of the German healthcare system.