[Outpatient rehabilitation in Germany. Interim results and prospects for further development]

The offer and development of outpatient medical rehabilitation in Germany represents a substantial component of rehabilitative care. In consideration of demographic change and the increase of chronic illnesses, outpatient rehabilitation facilities, on account of their flexibility, can close care gaps for those who find stationary rehabilitation less attractive or not possible for other reasons. With the implementation of the "Sozialgesetzbuch" (SGB) V and SGB VI as well as the introduction of the SGB IX regarding the rehabilitation principle "outpatient before inpatient," outpatient rehabilitation was social juridically established. Today outpatient rehabilitation means an equal setting, which can substitute inpatient rehabilitation, thus, shortening inpatient rehabilitation or it can follow inpatient rehabilitation. In 2008, outpatient services constituted 11% of all rehabilitation services. Illnesses of the muscle system, skeletal system, and connective tissue system, which are the most frequent rehabilitation indications in Germany, are treated in an outpatient setting in 17% of cases. The outpatient rehabilitation process is characterized by the close proximity to a patient's residence and job, flexibility, and individual participation. These characteristics enable the implementation of innovative possibilities, e.g., stepwise occupational reintegration into the rehabilitation process in order to optimize rehabilitation outcome.