Reha-Management.

Background: The benchmark paper of 25 February 2008 and the guideline of 13 September 2010 provide the principles for rehabilitation management (RM) under the German Social Accident Insurance (DGUV) in the DGUV's version of 17 July 2014. Objective: A precise diagnosis and the accident insurer's knowledge of contextual factors influencing the healing process require the timely introduction of RM. Rehabilitation management presents the accident insurer with new challenges. Methods: A rethink by the official authorities regarding customer-oriented service providers is required, which is linked to new demands being made on staff. In addition to the necessary legal knowledge, social competence, communication skills, and medical knowledge are now required. The increased costs incurred by the personal contact required can only be offset by an efficient adminstrative structure and effective data handling. Results: The results of pretesting of the customer survey planned for 2015 show the participants' high level of satisfaction with RM and the rehabilitation managers. Our own analyses of the Wood and Metal Trade Association, in addition to the results of the DGUV's bench mark project 'Efficiency of Case Management,' show that the RM 'pays off.' With expenditure on outpatient and inpatient treatment, which in real terms decreased slightly, periods of sick leave were shortened, invalidity benefit savings were made, and the number of new pensions was reduced. Conclusion: The requirements of the DGUV's new treatment permit better collaboration between doctors and rehabilitation managers of the accident insurers. Case selection fo RM should be investigated. The principles of RM should be transferred to the processing of cases of work-related illness. Important results on the improvement of RM are expected from the customer survey starting in 2015. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]