New care model for back and knee problems launched

15.03.2022 11:47

On today's "Back Day", several health insurance companies and the health app provider Herodikos are launching a new, integrated care model for back and knee problems. Access to the program is also possible online via a video consultation at the Zava online medical practice. The “Herodikos Plus” model combines app-supported exercise therapy and physiotherapeutic tele-accompaniment and can be used free of charge by the 11 million insured people of the Techniker Krankenkasse (TK), the pronova BKK and the Hanseatic Health Insurance Fund (HEK).

Patients with the common ailment of back or knee problems were looking for quick help, especially in times of the pandemic. Digital offerings such as apps that are available anywhere at any time are therefore generally a good idea. Nevertheless, after just a few sessions, many users are unsure whether they are carrying out the training correctly and in a targeted manner - and stop the therapy - a lack of individualization and support reduces motivation.

An individual and accompanied offer

“Herodikos Plus” integrates two forms of medical care into an innovative digital offer: self-training via the Herodikos app and professional support from physiotherapists via video consultations.

The patient's exercise plan, which is available via the Herodikos app, is developed individually in a video conversation between the patient and the physiotherapist and is continuously adapted to the course of therapy. Dr. medical Lasse Schulte-Güstenberg, doctor and co-founder of Herodikos, explains: “It makes no sense that a single standard program is used for every patient. We analyze where the patient has muscular deficits or imbalances and then provide targeted therapy.” Regular video appointments with the therapist can motivate the patient and give him security. The content and duration of the therapy is tailored precisely to the needs of the patient and a contact person is available at any time if necessary. The program runs for at least 3 months.

Integrated into the supply

Access to the program is only possible after a medical consultation. In a detailed initial interview, the specialist checks the suitability of the patient for the program. After therapy has been completed, the doctor can follow up with further therapeutic steps based on the therapy result.

Access also via video consultation

Enrollment in the program can not only take place on site in the doctor's office, but also as part of a video consultation. This can be done from March 15, 2022 at the Zava online medical practice. At the beginning of the treatment, the patient makes an appointment with a specialist from the Zava Consultation Online network of around 12,000 doctors. The doctor checks the patient's suitability for the therapy and the therapy result in a video consultation. “This is modern medicine that is oriented towards the needs of patients and enables them to receive individual help,” says Dr. medical Ulrike Thieme, medical director of Zava.

Available to over 11 million insured people

At the start, over 11 million people insured by the Techniker Krankenkasse (TK), the pronova BKK and the Hanseatic Health Insurance Fund (HEK) already have the opportunity to use “Herodikos Plus” free of charge. “Herodikos Plus” is offered as part of a selective contract in accordance with Section 140a SGB V and all general practitioners and orthopedists have the opportunity to join the contract.