ABSTRACT
Regarding the effectiveness of disease management programs (DMPs) in Germany, several studies have been published on the DMP for type 2 diabetes. This pilot study provides methodological insights into evaluating the DMP for coronary heart disease (CHD), which currently includes 1.7 million participants, and reveals trends in healthcare outcomes for mortality, guideline adherent prescribing and costs. Major methodological challenges that need to be considered for the development of an appropriate matching method for this indication have been identified. The results show positive trends in favor of the DMP regarding mortality, costs and medication according to guidelines. A matching design is applicable to the CHD indication; the knowledge gained regarding the quality of care can be used for a targeted development of the program.