Wieder zu Kräften kommen: Krebstherapie überstanden - jetzt in die Reha?

Even after a cancer treatment concludes, the disease often leaves lasting impacts. These may include loss of trust in one's body, chronic fatigue, or incontinence due to radiation therapy. To cope better with the mental and physical consequences of cancer, oncological rehabilitation can be beneficial. The Deutsche Krebshilfe advises discussing when this rehabilitation is necessary with the treating doctors as early as possible.

Oncological rehabilitation can be scheduled directly following hospital treatment or up to a year post-treatment. Three key questions and answers address this issue: 1. What occurs in oncological rehabilitation? The specifics vary as it is tailored to individual needs, according to the German Pension Insurance. Psychological consequences of the illness might be addressed, alongside physical therapies such as movement and nutrition programs.

Oncological rehabilitation typically spans three weeks, with the possibility of extension if medically required. Stationary and outpatient options are available. 2. Who is eligible for oncological rehabilitation? Financial responsibility for the rehabilitation depends on personal and insurance-related factors. For employed individuals, it is typically the German Pension Insurance, unless the person is already receiving a pension.

Civil servants, however, can apply for coverage through their pension fund or private health insurance. Rehabilitation can only commence after completion of the initial treatment, such as tumor removal surgery or radiation therapy. The person must also be fit enough to undergo rehabilitation. 3. What should be considered when applying?

First, determine which insurer should receive the application. For the German Pension Insurance, relevant forms can be found on their website. It is crucial to include a treatment report filled out by the treating physician. If a specific clinic or location is desired, mention this in the application. Through the "meine-rehabilitation.de" website, patients can locate suitable facilities.

The insurer has three weeks to decide on the application, provided by the Ninth Social Code Book (SGB IX). A medical report may extend this decision period to five weeks. If the application is denied, patients have one month from receipt of the decision to request a reconsideration.