Six questions, six clear answers
- Do I need a prescription from a doctor? For physiotherapy, manual therapy, lymphatic drainage and massage billed to a statutory or private insurer, yes -- a practice may only bill these against a prescription. Without one you are welcome as a self-payer, for preventive training, a posture assessment or a single massage. We clarify what makes sense in your case beforehand; if a prescription is needed, we say so before an appointment is booked.
- What will the treatment cost me? Members of a statutory health insurer pay the co-payment set by law: 10 percent of the treatment cost plus 10 euros per prescription. If you hold an exemption certificate, present it and the co-payment does not apply. Privately insured patients receive an invoice by schedule of fees and submit it themselves. Self-payers are told the fee before the first treatment, in writing on request.
- How long is the wait for a first appointment? For a first appointment we usually plan one to two weeks; equipment-based physiotherapy can take longer because machine time is limited. Where the prescription is marked as urgent, we try to start sooner. If you can come at short notice, say so on the phone -- we keep a waiting list for cancellations.
- What should I bring to the first appointment? The original prescription, your insurance card and, if you have one, your exemption certificate. Bring comfortable clothing you can move in and a large towel. Earlier findings such as X-rays or surgical reports help with the first assessment but are not a requirement. Allow about 15 minutes more for the first appointment than for the ones that follow.
- Do you make home visits? Yes, within the city of Kiel. The prescription must carry the doctor's note for a home visit; without it the insurer may not cover it. A travel allowance set by law is added for home visits. Appointments are usually in the morning, when they can be combined into one route. We need a clear area of about two by two metres -- we bring everything else.
- What happens if I have to cancel? Up to 24 hours before the appointment a cancellation costs nothing; a call or short message is enough. After that we charge a missed-appointment fee, because the time was reserved for you and rarely finds a new taker at such short notice. Health insurers do not reimburse this fee. When in doubt, cancel early and get back in touch -- a series can almost always be rescheduled.