No referral without physiotherapy

Federal Government: No direct access to physiotherapy
In Germany, patients continue to need a medical prescription if they want to receive physiotherapy treatment at the expense of the statutory health insurance. Such is the attitude of the Federal Government, which was questioned by faction of the left.

Without referral from the doctor no reimbursement by the health insurance. Picture: Kzenon - fotolia

In many countries the direct access of patients to the physiotherapist is possible without prior medical diagnosis and prescription. However, the government still believes that a qualified diagnosis must be made before therapy. The required medical knowledge and skills would not be taught in Germany as part of the training of physiotherapists. The answer of the Federal Government can be found here. (Pm)