zeit.de
German Insurers Warn Against Harmful Self-Pay Medical Services
German health insurers warn against the risks of self-pay medical services (IGeL), citing a new monitor showing minimal benefit and significant harm from common treatments like hyaluronic acid injections for arthrosis and shockwave therapy for shoulder pain, with annual spending reaching €2.4 billion.
- What are the significant risks and financial implications associated with self-pay medical services (IGeL) in Germany, based on recent findings?
- The Medical Service of the German Statutory Health Insurance Funds warns against potential harm from self-pay medical services. Injections for arthrosis pain, costing €2.4 billion annually, show minimal pain reduction and significant risks, according to a new IGeL monitor. Orthopedics accounts for €397 million of this spending.
- What specific examples of self-pay medical services were negatively evaluated in the IGeL monitor, and what were the main reasons for their negative assessment?
- A study of 60 self-pay medical services (IGeL) revealed that 31 are negatively assessed, 26 lack sufficient study data, and only 3 show potentially positive results. The high expenditure on IGeL, fueled by misleading patient information in many practices, highlights a critical need for factual information over advertising.
- How can the German healthcare system address the issues surrounding misleading advertising and insufficient patient information regarding self-pay medical services to improve patient outcomes and reduce unnecessary costs?
- Misleading advertising and insufficient patient information contribute to the €2.4 billion spent annually on ineffective self-pay medical services in Germany. The negative assessment of most IGeL services signals a need for stricter regulation and improved patient education to avoid unnecessary harm and financial burden. Future focus should be on evidence-based practices and transparent communication.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The headline and introduction immediately highlight the warnings of health insurance providers about potential harm from IGeL, setting a negative tone that permeates the entire article. The use of phrases like "ernüchterndes Fazit" (disappointing conclusion) and the repeated emphasis on negative findings preemptively shape the reader's perception. The article is structured to present negative findings first and then discuss the lack of supporting evidence for other IGeL treatments, reinforcing a negative view.
Language Bias
The article employs strong negative language such as "Schäden" (damage), "fehlende Gelenkflüssigkeit" (missing joint fluid), and "ernüchternd" (disappointing) to describe IGeL treatments. The use of phrases like "Vieles schade mehr, als dass es nütze" (much more harm than good) is a loaded statement that lacks nuance. More neutral alternatives could include describing the treatments as having "limited efficacy" or "uncertain benefits" rather than focusing solely on negative consequences.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on negative aspects of self-pay medical services (IGeL) without exploring potential benefits or patient perspectives who might have had positive experiences. It omits information on the percentage of patients who experience benefits from these treatments, focusing solely on negative outcomes. While acknowledging limitations in studies for some treatments, it doesn't present the full picture of the research landscape, potentially misrepresenting the overall efficacy of IGeL.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a false dichotomy by portraying IGeL services as either harmful or ineffective, ignoring the possibility of moderate benefits or individual variations in response to treatment. It frames the choice as a binary between proven effective treatments covered by insurance and potentially harmful self-pay options, failing to acknowledge the potential role of IGeL in addressing unmet needs or preferences.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article highlights the negative impacts of certain self-funded medical treatments (IGeL) in Germany, such as hyaluronic acid injections for knee and hip pain and shockwave therapy for shoulder pain. Studies show these treatments cause more harm than good, with minimal pain reduction, and lack sufficient scientific evidence to support their effectiveness. This directly affects the SDG target of ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages, by exposing patients to potentially harmful and ineffective treatments.