[Classification in medicine. An introductory reflection on its aim and object].

Human beings are born with the ability to recognize Gestalt and to classify. However, all classifications depend on their circumstances and intentions. There is no ultimate classification, and there is no one correct classification in medicine either.

[Scientific evaluation--the basis for quality assurance in continuing medical education].

Scientific evaluation is a fundamental tool of effective quality assurance of continuing medical education (CME). The analysis of the evaluation system of the CME academy of one the German Regional Medical Associations has revealed both the strengths and weaknesses of this system, thus enabling the installation of a model-like quality control system. Of utmost importance is the construction of an evaluation form that must be designed for good selectivity of the items, and the quality of the event should be well represented by the evaluating questions.

Electronic Patient Information -- Pioneers and MuchMore. A vision, lessons learned, and challenges.

Objectives: This paper must fulfill three different tasks: First, to introduce the topic "Electronic Patient Information -- Pioneers and MuchMore", second, to introduce the invited authors of the symposium, and third, to serve as the author's academic farewell lecture as professor emeritus.

Results: The electronic patient record, with all its different kinds of patient information, can be structured in many ways. Here, an historical approach is presented with a primary focus on the development of an information system for in- and outpatients in Germany, especially in Frankfurt, but also in comparison with US systems.

The German specialist lexicon.

The German language and in particular biomedical terms exhibit a rich and productive morphology. Beyond inflection and comparison forms frequently spelling variants, German - Greek/Latin synonyms and nominal compounds exist. For the English language, the SPECIALIST LEXICON, part of the UMLS project, covers a broad range of biomedical terms.

[Psychosomatic and psychotherapeutic medicine goes DRG -Procedure-catalog OPS-301 2.1 as a first step].

To demonstrate the repercussions for Psychosomatic and Psychotherapeutic Medicine of the politically motivated decision to introduce case mix funding for inpatient treatment in Germany. Description of the development of an appropriate code list of procedures for Psychosomatic and Psychotherapeutic Medicine within the DRG-System. The code list OPS-301 which was valid in 2001 had no appropriate procedures for Psychosomatic and Psychotherapeutic Medicine.