Waiting Times for Rehabilitation and Physical Medicine Have Nearly Quintupled

The average wait for physical medicine and rehabilitation in Austria has stretched to 39 days, compared with eight days in 2012. A sample taken around the start of this year found patients in Vienna waiting about 9.6 weeks on average.

The figures came from the Austrian Society of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, known as ÖGPMR, at a news conference in Vienna. The society said demand is rising as the population ages, even though Vienna has a broad and accessible outpatient care network.

Thomas Kienbacher, a specialist at the Liesing Rehabilitation Center, said the principle of outpatient care before inpatient treatment can work only when patients receive outpatient services on time. ÖGPMR senior president Richard Crevenna said health policy must focus not only on treating illness but also on preventing lasting loss of function, dependence on care and reduced ability to work.

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Outpatient before inpatient can only work if patients receive outpatient services in a timely manner.

The society cited the growing difficulties faced by older people. Almost half of those over 75 reportedly struggle with stairs, while about 45% have difficulty walking. Osteoarthritis affects about 28% of men and 47% of women in that age group. Chronic back and neck pain, muscle loss, walking and balance problems, and the risk of falls and fractures add to demand for care.

The number of people aged over 65 is expected to reach 2.46 million by 2040. Specialists said preventing immobility, strengthening muscles, treating pain and preventing falls will become increasingly important. An economic model cited by Roland Celoud estimated that shorter periods of work incapacity could reduce costs by up to 862 million euros a year, based on 2024 conditions.

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The key health-policy question is therefore no longer only: How do we treat diseases? Increasingly, it is also: How do we prevent illness from leading to permanent loss of function, the need for care or loss of the ability to work?