Analysis of second opinion programs provided by German statutory and private health insurance - a survey of statutory and private health insurers.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Second medical opinions can give patients confidence when choosing among treatment options and help them understand their diagnosis. Health insurers in several countries, including Germany, offer formal second opinion programs (SecOPs). We systematically collected and analyzed information on German health insurers' approach to SecOPs, how the SecOPs are structured, and to what extent they are evaluated.

Methods

In April 2019, we sent a questionnaire by post to all German statutory (n = 109) and private health insurers (n = 52). In September 2019, we contacted the nonresponders by email. The results were analyzed descriptively. They are presented overall and grouped by type of insurance (statutory/private health insurer).

Results

Thirty one of One hundred si

SUBMITTER: Konsgen N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7941885 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature