New diagnostic procedure for small bowel bleeding

DAK pays for a new diagnostic procedure for small bowel bleeding: High-tech capsule brings clarity

26/01/2011

Intestinal disorders are among the most common diseases in Germany. The causes are manifold, discovering them is often not easy and has usually been accompanied by colonoscopy. But since even this investigation has gaps, the DAK now assumes the cost of a new, complementary diagnostic procedure - the capsule endoscopy - in unclear bleeding of the small intestine.

High-tech capsule closes examination gap
„Capsule endoscopy is a high-tech examination method and provides additional images for colonoscopy in case of unclear small-bowel bleeding“, explains Dieter Carius, DAK expert for innovative treatment methods. „A small capsule is simply swallowed and takes pictures on the way from the esophagus to the intestinal passage. These are transmitted wirelessly to a recording system outside the body, enabling more targeted therapy decisions.

Most gentle preparation
In most cases, the patient does not have to prepare for bowel cleansing, as in a classic colonoscopy. As a rule, it is sufficient to take only clear liquids after lunch the day before. The capsule is finally excreted easily.

„We expect that capsule endoscopy will be available to our customers within the next two weeks“, says
Dieter Carius. DAK customers can then have their costs approved before the cash desk is approved. Alternatively, there is also the possibility of reimbursement. The bill will be submitted after treatment in the DAK Service Center. (Pm)