welt.de
German Health Insurers Warn of Self-Pay Medical Service Risks
The German Medical Service (MD) warns against self-pay medical services (IGeL), citing minimal benefit and potential harm in treatments like hyaluronic acid injections for arthritic pain and shockwave therapy for tennis elbow. The MD's IGeL-Monitor reveals €2.4 billion in annual spending on these services, with 31 out of 60 evaluated treatments receiving negative reviews due to insufficient studies or potential harm.
- What are the key findings of the IGeL-Monitor concerning the efficacy and safety of different self-pay treatments, and why are these treatments commonly offered?
- The study highlights the lack of evidence supporting many self-pay medical services in Germany. Specifically, hyaluronic acid injections for arthritic pain and shockwave therapy for conditions like tennis elbow show minimal to no clinical benefit and potentially significant risks. The €400 million spent annually on orthopedics alone underscores the problem.
- What are the most significant risks associated with common self-pay medical services in German practices, and how much money is spent annually on these services?
- German health insurers warn patients about potential harm from self-pay medical services. A new IGeL-Monitor report reveals that hyaluronic acid injections for knee or hip pain, costing €2.4 billion annually, provide minimal pain relief and may cause severe joint inflammation or heart problems. The report evaluated 60 self-pay services, rating 31 negatively and 26 unclear due to insufficient studies.
- How can the German healthcare system address the issue of misleading information and potentially harmful self-pay medical services, and what are the potential long-term implications of this problem?
- This report exposes a systemic issue of misleading marketing and inadequate patient information regarding self-pay medical services. The significant financial burden on patients (€2.4 billion annually) combined with potential harm necessitates stricter regulation and improved transparency to prevent further exploitation. This will likely lead to increased scrutiny of IGeL offerings and potentially impact patient healthcare spending.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The headline and introduction immediately establish a negative tone, warning of potential harm. The article emphasizes negative findings from the IGeL-Monitor, prioritizing them over any positive outcomes. The frequent use of words like "warnte" (warned), "Schäden" (damages), and "ernüchternd" (sobering) creates a strongly negative framing of IGeL, influencing reader perception.
Language Bias
The article uses loaded language, such as "Schäden" (damages) and "schwerwiegenden Gelenkentzündungen" (severe joint inflammations), to describe potential negative consequences. The frequent mention of the negative evaluation of IGeL services without balancing it with potential benefits contributes to a biased tone. More neutral alternatives could include 'potential side effects,' 'possible complications,' instead of directly emphasizing 'damage'.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the negative aspects of IGeL, but omits discussion of potential benefits or situations where IGeL might be appropriate. While it mentions three IGeL services with a "tendenziell positiv" rating, it doesn't elaborate on these, leaving the reader with a predominantly negative impression. The article also doesn't explore the perspectives of doctors who offer these services, potentially omitting their justifications or arguments in favor of IGeL.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a false dichotomy by implying that patients only have two choices: undergo potentially harmful IGeL procedures or receive no treatment. It fails to acknowledge other treatment options or approaches that might be available within the public health system or alternative medicine.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article highlights the negative impacts of certain self-funded medical treatments (IGeL) in Germany. Many of these treatments, such as hyaluronic acid injections for arthrosis and shockwave therapy for conditions like tennis elbow, lack sufficient evidence of effectiveness and may cause harm. The significant financial burden on patients, coupled with the potential for adverse effects outweighing minimal benefits, negatively affects the population's health and well-being. The lack of clear information provided to patients further exacerbates the issue.