Regarding
access to high-quality lymphoedema treatment and compression
garments, there are few countries that stand
out in Europe and at the international level. Germany outstands as one
of the few European countries that give an excellent level of public healthcare coverage to all its lymphoedema patients. Read more about what is the
best treatment for lymphoedema here.
The
German healthcare system is a dual public-private
system that dates back to the 1880s, making it the oldest in Europe.
Today it is considered
one of the very best healthcare systems in the world. Healthcare in
Germany is funded by statutory contributions, ensuring free
healthcare for all. The Federal
Ministry of Health
is responsible for developing health policy in Germany, and the
sector is regulated by the Joint
Federal Committee.
Germany
is one of the biggest spenders on healthcare in Europe. It spends
11.1%
of its annual GDP
on healthcare expenditure. Only Switzerland and France spend more in
terms of GDP percentage. German healthcare spending works out at just
over €4,000 per inhabitant each year. Public and private insurance
contributions cover the majority of costs.
In
short, the routine treatment paid by the German Social Security for
patients diagnosed with lymphoedema is “Gold Standard” CDT
(Complete Decongestive Therapy). Patients have access to
all year-round treatment, with a co-payment of only 5 € for specialized lymphoedema physiotherapy, and access
to two compression garments per year, for only 5 € co-payment each.
Many
national health systems
worldwide don't
cover
the expense and funds
needed for the optimal treatment of chronic lymphoedema. A great
number of patients are recommended and prescribed only low-cost treatment options (self-treatment for edema reduction), and so many are
under-treated or untreated, progressing their lymphatic dysfunction
towards severe complications and Lymphoedema Stage III-
Elephantiasis.
Patients should be especially careful when choosing a lymphedema Multidisciplinary Expert Centre of Reference/Excellence, as not all centers and counties offer or provide the same treatment options. The best choice is the Expert Reference Centre of Excellence which offers Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT), which is recognized as the "Gold Standard" treatment for Lymphedema. Read more about the components that form part of the Conservative Treatment in the German Scientific Protocol HERE.
International
campaigns are needed to inform health systems and workers about the
optimal clinical
management
for lymphoedema, and so support patients' access to a better quality
of life.
REFERENCES
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