Balneophototherapy for neurodermatitis will be reimbursed in Germany

From October 1, 2020, balneophototherapy can also be used for patients with moderate to severe neurodermatitis and billed via the EBM (German Uniform Evaluation Standard). So far, dermatologists have only been able to use the method for patients with psoriasis.

For this purpose, the Evaluation Committee has adjusted the fee order item (GOP) 10350 "Balneophototherapy in accordance with the Guideline of the Federal Joint Committee (No. 15 of Annex I "Recognized examination or treatment methods" of the Guideline for Methods of contracted medical care) and in accordance with the quality assurance agreement for balneophototherapy in accordance with §135 (2) SGB V, including costs", evaluated with a tariff of €43.73. The Federal Joint Committee (G-BA) decided to include this treatment option to contractual medical care on March 20, 2020.

Balneophototherapy can be provided as photo-brine therapy (salt bath combined with UVB rays) or as bath PUVA (psoralen combined with UVA rays).

The frequency of treatment should be three (3) to five (5) applications per week and is limited to a maximum of thirty-five (35) individual applications per treatment cycle. A new treatment cycle can start no earlier than six (6) months after completion of a previous treatment cycle.

Dermatologists, who carry out the treatment, require approval from their statutory health insurance association according to the quality assurance agreement for balneophototherapy.

The full details in German can be found here.

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