Dispute Over Care for Long Covid Patients

The Ministry of Social Affairs considers the care of patients with post-acute infection syndromes such as Long/Post Covid or ME/CFS to be "comprehensively secured". This emerges from a response to a parliamentary inquiry by Member of Parliament Ralph Schallmeiner (Greens) by Minister of Social Affairs Korinna Schumann (SPÖ). Schallmeiner saw an "unfounded claim". Patient representatives described the statements as "in no way" comprehensible - and see an "emergency situation".

It is "completely incomprehensible how comprehensive care can be claimed without any factual basis, especially since this portrayal diametrically contradicts the realities in practice," said the Austrian Society for ME/CFS (ÖG ME/CFS) in a statement to the APA regarding the statements from the Ministry of Social Affairs on Tuesday afternoon. The policy argues "past the reality of life of tens of thousands of ME/CFS sufferers" and ignores "the experiences of both the patients and the few medical experts in the country," said Vice-Chairwoman Sandra Leiss.

Patient Organization: "Clear Emergency Situation"

While the ministry has so far completely failed to collect reliable data through a care study, all available observational data show a "clear emergency situation," according to the ÖG ME/CFS. It is particularly irritating "that we had a very constructive exchange with the Ministry of Health as recently as August, in which we were assured that they were aware of the poor care situation and the urgent need for action and wanted to adopt the PAIS action plan as a prerequisite for concrete measures".

Up to 80,000 ME/CFS Sufferers in Austria

With the Corona pandemic, post-acute infection syndromes (PAIS) have increasingly come to public attention - and with them ME/CFS. According to estimates by MedUni Vienna, between 70,000 and 80,000 people in Austria are currently affected by ME/CFS. In recent months, affected associations and experts have repeatedly complained about inadequate care - both in the medical and social sectors. Specialized treatment centers for those affected are still awaited despite announcements.

Ministry of Social Affairs: Statements Refer to "Basic Care"

The Ministry of Social Affairs stated in response to an APA inquiry that the statements in the inquiry response refer to basic care: "People affected by ME/CFS are in an extremely stressful situation. It is important to look closely, especially when it comes to interpreting the symptoms in the context of psychological stress," it said in a brief written statement.

And further: "The fact that the related medical care is ensured refers to basic medical care." A comprehensive network of specialized care and a shortening of patient pathways are being "intensively worked on" within the framework of health target control. "While the ministry sets the framework, implementation takes place in close cooperation by the federal states and social insurance," they referred to the shared responsibilities.

Greens Asked About Specific Care

The request was made by the Green MP Schallmeiner, in which he wanted to know from Schumann, among other things, how many doctors in Austria currently "demonstrably offer specialized care for ME/CFS or comparable post-viral diseases." No specific numbers are mentioned in the response to the inquiry available to the APA. According to the current care pathway, "the first point of contact" is primary care with general practitioners, it is merely stated. "If necessary, a referral to other specialist doctors in private practice is made."

Schumann: "Comprehensive Care Ensured"

In part, for post-acute infection syndromes (PAIS), a "cross-disciplinary treatment involving various specialists is required," it was stated in Schumann's response. With the contract (specialist) doctors, "appropriate contracts for the direct billing of their services with the health insurance providers" exist. "Thus, comprehensive care is ensured," writes the minister.

In "complex cases of illness," "further clarification in special care offerings, such as specialized outpatient clinics," may be necessary. "Since the care of patients with post-viral diseases can be assigned to several and/or different specialties depending on the symptoms (e.g., neurology, pulmonology, etc.) and their care must therefore be interdisciplinary, a corresponding delineation and quantification is not possible at the present time."

Regarding the question of whether there is a central survey of the actual care structure in the private sector, it was stated that the survey "of the currently available facilities or structures that serve as a point of contact for people with PAIS" is "in preparation." This should take place within the framework of the "Target Control-Health" or within the framework of the "work on the Target Control Agreement 2024-2028."

Schallmeiner: "Baseless Claim" - Demands "Clear Actions"

The Green National Council member Schallmeiner expressed his surprise in a statement to the APA: "This response to the inquiry once again confirms that there are no reliable figures on the care of those affected by post-viral diseases," he said. "Neither the responsible ministry nor the social insurance providers can provide reliable figures. How can one then speak of 'good care' in the private sector? That is simply a baseless claim."

As long as there are no reliable data, the question also arises as to how federal states like Salzburg even intend to "coordinate" those affected in the private sector.

The "constant postponement and systematic undermining of the PAIS action plan" by social insurance providers and states must "come to an end," said Schallmeiner. "It is now time for implementation steps, not further delays. Those affected expect clear actions instead of empty promises."

(APA/Red)

This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.