ADHD diagnoses in focus
In its 2013 Physicians’ Report, Barmer GEK examined diagnoses of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and found some remarkable results. The background to this study is the rising costs arising from the prescription of medication for the treatment of ADHD.
Additional contributions as a solution?
In order to stop this rise in costs, Barmer GEK is considering levying additional contributions for ADHD-affected patients, according to the 2013 Physicians’ Report. However, whether this measure will actually be implemented remains to be seen and depends, among other things, on the implementation of political reforms in the healthcare system.
ADHD sufferers targeted
If Barmer GEK were to actually introduce additional contributions for ADHD-affected patients, around 1.1 million insured persons would be affected. They could be looking at additional costs of up to $70 a year. A move that would be met with incomprehension by many affected individuals and their families.
Rising ADHD diagnoses among children and adolescents: Barmer GEK reports on the 2013 Physicians’ Report
The diagnosis of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children and adolescents has been increasing for years. According to the 2013 Barmer GEK Physicians’ Report, the number of ADHD diagnoses increased by 41 percent between 2007 and 2012. The health insurer sees this as a worrying trend that could lead to a possible additional contribution.
ADHD is a complex disorder whose causes and symptoms are not yet fully understood. Typical symptoms are inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. However, these can also occur in healthy children and are not necessarily an indication of ADHD.
Experts assume that various factors contribute to the increasing number of ADHD diagnoses. These include, among other things, the growing pressure to perform in school and society, increasing digitalization, and the overuse of ADHD medications. Barmer GEK is therefore calling for a more differentiated diagnosis and treatment of ADHD, as well as greater public awareness of the issue.
- ADHD diagnoses in children and adolescents have risen sharply in recent years.
- Experts suspect various reasons, such as the growing pressure to perform or digitalization.
- Barmer GEK calls for a more differentiated diagnosis and treatment of ADHD, as well as greater public awareness of the issue.
Impact on the health care system
Barmer GEK examined the increasing number of ADHD diagnoses in its 2013 physician report and is considering an additional contribution due to rising costs. Spending on medications to treat ADHD accounts for a large portion of the total cost of the healthcare system. Overdiagnosis and overtreatment of ADHD patients lead to a burden on the healthcare system and pose a challenge to society.
One way to reduce costs in the health care system would be to increase prevention of disease. Timely detection and treatment of diseases can avoid subsequent costs and burdens on the health care system. Close cooperation between doctors, patients and health insurers can help improve health care and reduce spending in the health care system.
Another way to save costs in the health care system is to promote alternative treatment methods. This includes, for example, naturopathic procedures, acupuncture or homeopathy. These procedures can help alleviate symptoms and in many cases are less expensive than conventional medical treatments.
- Barmer GEK examines ADHD diagnoses in its 2013 physician report
- Overdiagnosis and overtreatment of ADHD patients burden the healthcare system
- Prevention of disease can avoid subsequent costs for the health care system
- Promotion of alternative treatments can reduce costs in the health care system