[Applications for medical rehabilitation in the field of dermatology]

New rehabilitation guidelines and laws have been introduced to promote competition. As a result, the application procedures for rehabilitation measures have been reformed. Since 2007, the application procedure depends on the type of benefit (e.g. secondary or tertiary prevention) and the insurance provider (statutory health or pension insurance company). Thus in order to prescribe rehabilitation as a form of tertiary prevention payable by a statutory health insurance company, accredited doctors have to demonstrate that they have the necessary qualifications as stipulated by the rehabilitation guidelines. As before 2007, any accredited doctor may however apply for rehabilitation in the sense of tertiary prevention payable by a statutory pension insurance company, and for benefits associated with primary and secondary prevention payable by a statutory health insurance company, without providing corresponding proof of qualification. In addition, dermatologists should report occupational skin diseases to the statutory accident insurance using the "optimized dermatologist's report" which also allows them to recommend secondary and tertiary preventative measures. Every insurance-accredited dermatologist should understand the application process and the contents of preventative and rehabilitation measures to ensure their patients' right to participate.