On May 15 and 16, 2025, the annual meeting of the Professional Association of German Laboratory Physicians (BDL) will take place in Berlin. The event, held at the Kaiserin-Friedrich-Haus on Robert-Koch-Platz, is considered a central meeting for specialists in laboratory medicine as well as for representatives from politics, self-governance, and the diagnostics industry. The focus of the conference is on current professional, political, and economic challenges in laboratory medicine in Germany, particularly the reimbursement situation for medical laboratory services.
Central Topics and Program Items
The main theme of this year's conference is "Reimbursement in the Laboratory – Between Wish and Reality." The background is the ongoing debate about the economic situation of medical laboratories in Germany. The reimbursement for laboratory medicine services is considered insufficient by many specialists, especially in view of rising costs for personnel, technology, and quality assurance. The conference offers a forum to discuss this issue with representatives from politics, the National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians, and the diagnostics industry.
Lectures and panel discussions are expected on the following topics:
- Development and perspectives of laboratory reimbursement in outpatient and inpatient settings
- Impact of current health policy on laboratory medicine
- Digitalization and automation in laboratories
- Recruitment and further training of young professionals
- Quality assurance and regulatory requirements
An industry exhibition will take place parallel to the conference, where companies such as Roche Diagnostics, Sysmex, and other providers will present new products and technologies.
Background: Situation of Laboratory Medicine in Germany
Laboratory medicine is a central component of medical care in Germany. Around 70 percent of all medical diagnoses are based on laboratory tests. Specialists in laboratory medicine are responsible for the execution, evaluation, and quality assurance of these tests.
In recent years, laboratory medicine has undergone significant changes due to technical innovations, automation, and digitalization. At the same time, the demands for quality and speed of diagnostics are increasing. The COVID-19 pandemic has further highlighted the importance of laboratory medicine for the healthcare system, but also exposed weaknesses in the system, for example, in financing and the integration of digital processes.
Reimbursement as a central problem area
A central theme of this year's BDL conference is the remuneration of medical laboratory services. In the outpatient sector, remuneration is handled via the Uniform Valuation Standard (EBM), and in the inpatient sector, via the DRG system. According to the BDL and many laboratory physicians, the current remuneration rates neither cover the actual costs nor the medical value of the services. In particular, investments in new technologies and quality assurance are not adequately considered.
In recent years, there have been repeated disputes between laboratory physicians, statutory health insurance physicians' associations, and health insurance companies regarding the amount and structure of remuneration. The consequence is economic uncertainty for many laboratories, especially for small and medium-sized facilities. The BDL is therefore calling for a reform of the remuneration systems that better reflects medical progress and the increased demands.
Shortage of young talent and further training
Another topic on the agenda is the shortage of young talent in laboratory medicine. The number of further training positions is limited, and many laboratories report difficulties in filling open positions. The conference aims to identify ways to improve further training and attract young talent. Among other things, new models of medical further training, the integration of digital competencies, and the attractiveness of the specialty for young physicians will be discussed.
Digitalization and quality assurance
Digitalization is another central theme of the conference. Electronic patient records, digital transmission of findings, and automated analysis systems are fundamentally changing workflows in laboratories. At the same time, they place new demands on data protection, IT security, and the medical management of diagnostics. The conference offers expert lectures and workshops on current developments and challenges in this area.
Quality assurance also remains a perennial issue. The requirements for laboratory accreditation, compliance with legal provisions, and continuous training of staff are on the agenda.
Significance of the conference for the industry
The BDL's annual conference is the most important professional policy forum for German laboratory physicians. It serves as an exchange between physicians, politicians, self-governing bodies, and industry. Results and impulses from the conference feed into the association's work and the health policy discussion.
The event takes place in a tense situation for laboratory medicine: the economic situation of many laboratories is uncertain, demands for quality and innovation are increasing, and the shortage of skilled workers is intensifying. The conference aims to help develop solutions and strengthen the position of laboratory medicine within the healthcare system.
Outlook
Laboratory medicine faces major challenges, but also opportunities through technological innovations and the increasing importance of diagnostic procedures in personalized medicine. The BDL Annual Conference 2025 will show how the industry is responding to current developments and what demands it is making on politics and self-governance.
The central question is how the financing and organization of laboratory medicine can be designed to ensure comprehensive, high-quality, and innovative care in the future. The discussions and results of the conference will significantly influence the further development of laboratory medicine in Germany.
Note: The information is based on the currently available information on the program and thematic priorities of the BDL Annual Conference 2025. Changes in the schedule or content are possible until the start of the conference.
