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Chronic, progressive illnesses or the effects of certain ailments in seniors may make rehabilitation necessary. Private treatments are associated with significant costs. That is why it is worth getting acquainted with the rehabilitation offer of the National Health Fund. What treatments are planned and what to do to get help from a physiotherapist?
NFZ rehabilitation – rules
Rehabilitation of the National Health Fund for seniors is possible only with the referral of a health insurance doctor, i.e. a doctor of any specialty, including a dentist who has concluded an agreement with the National Health Fund or practices in a facility with such an agreement. A referral for rehabilitation by the National Health Fund is valid for 30 days from the date of issue. During this time, the patient should report to the appropriate facility.
The patient chooses the place where the NHF rehabilitation will take place. When looking for the optimal center, it is worth paying attention to:
- communication accessibility,
- availability of specialist doctors,
- opinions about the staff and the place,
- estimated waiting time for the rehabilitation of the National Health Fund.
Private institutions are worth checking out. They are often equipped with modern equipment and the lines are shorter. It should be remembered that some non-public health centers have contracts with the National Health Fund.
Importantly, the doctor has the right to write a referral for rehabilitation of the National Health Fund several times a year. However, during one, ten-day cycle, there cannot be more than 5 treatments a day.
Types of NHF rehabilitation for seniors
The National Health Fund offers various free rehabilitation treatments depending on the patient’s diseases and ailments. They can take place in an outpatient, home or day hospital setting. These include rehabilitation:
- systemic (inpatient department),
- neurological (inpatient department),
- cardiology (inpatient or outpatient department),
- pulmonology (stationary department),
- other specialist rehabilitation.
What treatments are provided for the rehabilitation of the National Health Fund for the elderly? These are among others:
- therapeutic baths,
- massages,
- gymnastics and physiotherapy,
- hydrotherapy in cryotherapy,
- thermotherapy,
- electromagnetic field treatment,
- phototherapy,
- electrotherapy.
NFZ rehabilitation at home
It is not always possible for a patient to reach a rehabilitation center. For example, bedridden seniors with severe damage to the brain, nervous system or musculoskeletal system may have particular difficulties. Therefore, under the National Health Fund, rehabilitation can take place at home. It is worth considering this option, because a private home visit by a physiotherapist may cost more than PLN 100 per hour.
To obtain a NFZ rehabilitation plan, make an appointment with a doctor at home. After receiving the referral, report to the appropriate center, stating that the rehabilitation process will take place at home. A patient under the National Health Fund may take advantage of a maximum of 80 days of such therapy per year. However, if it is necessary to extend it, the primary care physician may submit an appropriate application to the head of the NHF branch. Importantly, home rehabilitation of the National Health Fund cannot be combined with services provided under the home hospice.
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