Gambling establishments issue warnings about potential hip and knee injuries due to risky activities
Stefan Gronemeyer, the chairman of the Medical Service of the Health Funds (MDS), has called for a change in the way Individual Health Services (IGeL) are presented and offered in medical practices.
Gronemeyer is particularly concerned about the lack of transparency in the promotion of IGeL services, with many practices relying on flyers and TV advertisements that promise benefits without providing adequate information about the risks involved. He believes that patients should be informed about the unclear effectiveness of certain treatments, such as shock wave therapy for conditions like frozen shoulder and tennis elbow.
One of the top three specialties for IGeL services is orthopedics, with treatments intended to relieve pain and improve mobility for arthritis patients being covered by insurance. However, Gronemeyer notes that the demand for these services is not supported by clear evidence of their benefits, and the MDS has labeled the effectiveness of IGeL for various conditions as "unclear".
In Germany, one in six people between the ages of 60 and 80 are affected by knee joint arthritis, and one in ten by hip joint arthritis. The demand for hyaluronic acid injections, a common IGeL service for these conditions, is high due to the widespread prevalence of arthritis and the lack of a curative therapy.
However, Gronemeyer warns that the potential harm of these injections may outweigh their benefits. The IGeL Monitor has assessed 60 services, finding 31 to be negatively assessed, 26 with unclear results, and only 3 showing a tendency towards positive results.
Gronemeyer suggests that IGeL services should not be provided on the same day they are offered, allowing time for consideration. He also urges settled physicians to present facts instead of advertising in waiting rooms.
Every year, insured individuals spend at least 2.4 billion euros on individual health services provided in medical practices. Gronemeyer believes that regular, independently created, evidence-based evaluations and information about IGeL should be offered by medical practices to ensure controlled access to these services for insured persons.
According to a survey, many insured individuals believe that IGeL services are no longer offered by insurers, but Gronemeyer states that this is incorrect. Injections for knee or hip joint arthritis, involving hyaluronic acid, are offered in medical practices and are covered by insurance for certain treatments.
The cost of these treatments can vary, with each treatment cycle costing between approximately 220 and 300 euros, but prices can also reach 500 euros or more. Gronemeyer's goal is to ensure that patients have access to accurate and transparent information about these services, so they can make informed decisions about their healthcare.
