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06-02-2023

Rehabilitation after COVID-19: things to know

Iliustracija

Last year, reimbursable services were used by nearly 3.5 thousand patients, recovered from the coronavirus. This is a third less than in 2021, says the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF). Experts are reminding on cases, when patients should seek for help after recovering from COVID-19, and where should they do it.

‘The number of patients with debilitating post-Covid health conditions requiring rehabilitation is falling as the number of patients treated in hospital with severe COVID-19 is falling as well. Last year, such people received more than 2 thousand inpatient and 1.5 outpatient rehabilitation services. It took more than Eur 2.5 million from the Compulsory Health Insurance Fund to reimburse them.’ says Rimantė Venclovienė, Chief Specialist of the Services Management Division at the NHIF.

She says that people, recovered from COVID-19 infection, have both inpatient and outpatient medical and psychosocial rehabilitation services covered from the health insurance funds. These services may be prescribed after complicated pneumonia or in case of post-Covid syndrome, resulting in residual symptoms, such as troublesome shortness of breath, prolonged cough, fatigue, pain in various areas of the body, sleep disorders, deterioration of memory and focus, mood swings, also in cases of disruption of normal activities and behaviour.

Outpatients can be provided with initial outpatient rehabilitation services, including four main rehabilitation methods: kinesiotherapy, physiotherapy, occupational therapy and massage. Each patient can receive up to 20 individual and 5 group procedures.

Patients treated at the hospital can be prescribed not only initial, but also a larger scope of outpatient or inpatient medical and psychosocial rehabilitation services. These services can be provided no later than in 3 months or, in some cases, in 6 months after hospital treatment. Thus, patients that have recovered from the coronavirus and feel unwanted residual effects, should immediately contact their family doctor.

(Freepik photo)

The NHIF invites you:

Your questions are welcome by email[email protected]or phone: local (8 5) 232 2222, international +370 5 232 2222

Last updated: 15-02-2023

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