Versicherungsmedizin. 1996 Aug; 48(4): 129-33.

[ICD diagnoses in university polyclinic naturopathy consultation]

Hentschel C, Lindner M, Brinkhaus B, Nagel MR, Hahn EG, Kohnen R.

Med. Klinik I mit Poliklinik, Universit�t Erlangen-N�rnberg.

In a special consulting office for complementary medicine, ambulatory patients interested in receiving adjuvant treatment with complementary medicine can obtain a relevant advice and critical information regarding non-evaluated therapies. Within the framework of a retrospective statistical analysis, the diagnosis documented over a period of 24 months in accordance with the 4-digit ICD code were evaluated. In particular patients with chronic and/or functional illnesses had additional treatment needs. The exponential growth in the numbers of patients during the course of the observation period illustrates the increasing importance of complementary medical measures. However, in view of the considerable political significance of the cost factor and the possible risks of the treatment, only properly evaluated complementary medical therapies should be employed.