The Corona virus came faster than anyone could prepare for. In addition to many other sectors, physical therapists are also severely affected.
Even before the onset of COVID 19 , there was already a lack of skilled physiotherapists and in many practices there were already longer waiting times to get an appointment.
Due to the Corona crisis , there were massive slumps in the industry. Some of these were intercepted by the state, but “normal operations” have not yet been achieved again. There were massive drops, especially due to unclear statements in politics. As a result, many therapists and patients were unsettled and did not know whether appointments could be kept.
However, thanks to appropriate hygiene concepts , practice operations quickly started again. Nevertheless, this entails a high level of practice management. The appointments have to be staggered and the additional disinfection measures take a lot of time.
Normally, regardless of the Corona period, you always have the opportunity to take a break from prescriptions . However, for a maximum of 14 calendar days, otherwise the prescription expires.
Below we will briefly show you what regulations normally exist:
The latest start of treatment
- There is an area on the prescription in which a date is entered under “latest start of treatment”. This date counts.
- If this information is missing, treatment must be started within 14 days of the issue date.
- In exceptional cases, a later start of treatment will be permitted. However, you must urgently consult your health insurance company for this.
Maximum treatment interruption
A maximum of 14 calendar days is permitted without justification.
Reasonable exceptional cases for a longer interruption would be, for example:
- therapeutically indicated interruption in consultation with the doctor (T)
- Illness of the patient or therapist (K)
- Vacation of the patient or therapist (F)
In times of Corona, however, the “Joint Federal Committee” decided on September 30, 2020 that the interruption period of 14 days will not be checked for all regulations that are billed by December 31, 2020. After the end of the validity period , the 14-day period begins again.
This means that if you have started a prescription and have to take a break due to the current situation, you don't need to worry about the validity of your prescription. The exception is currently valid until December 31, 2020.
Nevertheless, almost all physiotherapy practices are currently open during the second lockdown and are still maintaining the hygiene measures. Please call your practice and ask about any special considerations before your visit.
We hope you enjoyed the post.
Stay healthy!
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