In 1996 the project "operative oncology" was initiated by the Department of Surgery University of Kiel in order to guarantee a solid and longterm financing of surgical oncological interventions with a high quality standard. First step was to determine the detailed costs of the diagnostic and different surgical procedures in order to calculate flat rates per case. Covered by these comprehensive prices per case are also the psychooncological support, prospective evaluation of quality of life and molecular-oncological diagnostics (determination of micrometastasis). The development of project was primarily financed by the AOK health insurance company of Schleswig-Holstein. It was calculated by the GSbG and is supported since April, 1st, 1998 by all health insurance companies of the region.