[The future is chronic: German primary care and the Chronic Care Model--The comprehensive principles in the proactive treatment of the chronically ill].

Background: In Germany, primary healthcare for patients with chronic diseases needs to be improved. Taking the example of depression, congestive heart failure, diabetes and diseases of the musculoskeletal system we analyzed to which extent the 'Chronic Care Model' allows for improvements.

Methods: Diagnosis-specific health assessment; adaptation of the 'Chronic Care Model' to the German healthcare system; peer reviewed discussions of the potentials for improving primary care of the chronically ill. RESULTS/DISCUSSION OF THE HEALTHCARE SITUATION: 1) Diagnosis and therapy of chronic diseases comply insufficiently with the evidence. 2) Patients are too passive and/or receive only little effective support. 3) Treatments are often uncoordinated and fragmented. 4) The follow-up of treatment results is often neglected. 5) Approaches to indicated diseases are promising.

Conclusions: The'Chronic Care Model' could improve chronic care in Germany. Disease Management Programs (DMP) should amend multimorbidity and individual healthcare and/or facilitate implementation in general practice.