How do you prepare for the KV's QM Stichprobe?

Each Kassenärztliche Vereinigung asks a random sample of practices, at least 2.5% a year or 4% every two years, to submit written documentation of their quality management against the questions in Anlage 1 of the QM-RL. A practice is ready when every answer can be shown from records it already keeps.

How the sample works

The KVs ask either at least 2.5% of practices every year or 4% every two years, chosen at random by Betriebsstätten-Nummer, and the KBV sets one mode for all of them.¹ A practice drawn once is removed from the next draw, and the results go to the KBV, which reports to the G-BA every two years by 31 July of the following year.¹ The KBV describes the survey as running every two years on 4% of practices, answered on a questionnaire through a web portal.²

Taking part is a duty. If a practice refuses after repeated requests, the KV sets a measure under § 75 Absatz 2 with § 81 Absatz 5 SGB V.¹ In the twelfth survey 4,519 Vertragsärzte and psychotherapists were written to, 96% took part, and more than 90% said they use quality instruments systematically.³

What the questions cover

Anlage 1 opens with a profile of the practice, whether it operates with two or more doctors or under sedation, employs staff, sees patients in person and prescribes, and whether it has existed for more than three years.¹ It then asks whether practice quality goals are set regularly, whether their achievement is measured in a self-assessment, and whether that result is documented for internal use, before working through each method and application area.¹

1. Open the questionnaire. Read Anlage 1 of the QM-RL and mark each question that applies to your profile.
2. Match each answer to a record. For every Yes, name the document or report that shows it.
3. Close the gaps first. Start with the minimum standards, risk, error reporting and OP checklists, which no practice may waive.
4. Date the self-assessment. Run it, document the result for internal use, and keep the date.
5. Answer within the KV's deadline. Submit through the KV's portal or on paper, as the letter asks.
6. Act on the feedback. The KV may offer training, advice or a QM-Kommission. Take what it points to.

1. KV ______ Letter dated ______ Deadline ______
2. Quality goals set ______ Evidence ______
3. Self-assessment on ______ Documented ______
4. Responsibilities in writing ______ Evidence ______
5. Error reporting system ______ Evidence ______
6. Complaints process ______ Evidence ______
7. Submitted on ______ By ______

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Where the results go

The G-BA says the KVs and KZVs check implementation through the random sample, the KBV and KZBV report the results, and the reports are published on the QM-RL's page.⁴ The G-BA publishes each report, with its own comment where it adds one.¹

Questions

How likely is our practice to be drawn?

The KVs draw at least 2.5% of practices each year or 4% every two years, and a practice drawn once leaves the next draw.

What if we ignore the KV letter?

Taking part is a duty. After repeated requests the KV sets a measure under § 75 Absatz 2 with § 81 Absatz 5 SGB V.

Does the KV grade our practice?

There is no grade. The KV assesses the documentation, gives feedback and support, and reports results onward in aggregate.

Does a practice under three years old answer too?

Yes. Anlage 1 asks whether the practice has existed for more than three years, so newer practices answer within their build-up period.

Sources

1. 1Gemeinsamer Bundesausschuss, 2026Richtlinie über grundsätzliche Anforderungen an ein einrichtungsinternes Qualitätsmanagement (QM-RL), Volltext, BAnz AT 19.08.2026 B4Read source
2. 2Kassenärztliche Bundesvereinigung, 2025Bundesweite QM-Befragung startet im OktoberRead source
3. 3Kassenärztliche Bundesvereinigung, 2024Patientensicherheit im Fokus, Praxen setzen Qualitätsmanagement gut umRead source
4. 4Gemeinsamer Bundesausschuss, 2026Qualitätsmanagement, Vorgaben zur QualitätssicherungRead source

Written by the wai team from Gemeinsamer Bundesausschuss, the Kassenärztliche Vereinigungen and the Länder guidance, checked on 16 October 2026. This is guidance, not legal advice. Neither the G-BA, any KV nor any Land authority endorses wai or any software.