Alternatives to the operation can be shown

IKK Südwest with immediate second-hand orthopedic procedure

21/11/2014

Case numbers of surgeries are increasing and increasing and many of the interventions have alternatives. Currently, not only are many insured persons exposed to an unnecessary health risk, but the costs of the operations performed are also increasing: at IKK, they have increased their orthopedic operations in the hip, knee and spine areas by more than 50 percent since 2010.

All insured persons who are uncertain whether an operation is the best option for their disease, IKK Südwest now offers a second opinion procedure for orthopedic surgery in the knee, hip and spine.

The free hotline 0800/2009222 is open to insured persons who are about to undergo such an intervention and to arrange an appointment with one of the participating institutions through IKK. The hotline is available Mondays to Fridays from 9am to 4pm.

„When selecting the facilities, we have set high quality standards. We want to make sure our insureds meet a qualified team of professionals to help them make that important decision. Our insured persons are comprehensively informed and advised on the optimal handling of their illness“, emphasize Jörg Loth, board member, and dr. Lutz Hager, Managing Director of IKK Südwest. „Good coverage was also important to us: insured persons in Rhineland-Palatinate and Saarland have to cover a maximum distance of 80 kilometers until they reach one of the facilities.“

Prerequisite for participation is that the insured of the institution provide their treatment documents. There, a patient interview takes place in which interdisciplinary work is carried out. Specialists and physiotherapists are always part of the core team, as well as nutritionists, pain therapists or psychologists.

Approximately two hours are scheduled for this conversation, at the end of which the insured receives the assessment of the experts. The special thing about it: contrary to many other offers on the market, the insured does not just get one „Yes“ or „No“ for the operation. Rather, in the event that an OP is not necessary, alternative treatments are shown to him.

„With these recommendations, our insured persons are welcome to contact us“, explains Dr. Jorg Loth. „Our goal is to avoid unnecessary interventions and to optimally inform our insured parties with the second opinion procedure.“ (Pm)

Picture: Martin Jäger