[Organisation and reimbursement of surgical practice in Denmark 2004-2008].

Introduction: The organisation and the reimbursement pattern for surgery in Denmark are relatively unknown.
Material and Methods: The organisation and activity of hip and knee replacement, laparoscopic cholecystectomy and inguinal herniotomy, low-back surgery and obesity surgery were analysed together with the surgery reimbursement pattern in Denmark in the 5-year period 2004-2008 based on national register data.
Results: During the 4-year period 2004-2007 activity rose for all types of surgery, except laparoscopic cholecystectomy. A predominant part of the increased activity was seen within the private sector, especially in obesity and low-back surgery. A predominant part of the activity in the private sector was financed via public sector funding.
Conclusion: The results show increased surgical activity in five common operations and call for intensified monitoring of activity and quality to secure research and further development on a nationwide basis.