Rehab applications have fallen over the past ten years

The number of completed medical rehabilitation measures in Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt and Thuringia has fallen compared to ten years ago. While 110,163 women and men completed rehabilitation in 2013, this figure fell to 98,405 last year, according to the German Pension Insurance (DRV). Including measures for children, a total of 104,826 rehabilitation measures were completed in the three federal states in 2023.

Pandemic leaves lasting traces

German Pension Insurance attributes the decline to the coronavirus pandemic. "The number of rehabilitation measures fell sharply during the pandemic," explained a DRV spokeswoman. People in the three federal states are still somewhat more reluctant to take advantage of rehabilitation measures. "However, we assume that the figures will rise again in the coming years." However, it is not yet possible to estimate how long it will take to reach pre-pandemic levels.

According to the report, most medical rehabilitation is for orthopaedic conditions, which account for around 39% of women and around 38% of men. Oncological and hematological diseases are in second place with just under 18 percent each. Mental illnesses account for around 18 percent of completed rehab services for women and around 9 percent for men.

Outpatient rehab is gaining in importance

Inpatient rehabilitation has been the focus of medical rehab services for decades - including in eastern Germany. In 2023, 82,387 people completed inpatient rehabilitation, which corresponds to a share of almost 84 percent. At the same time, the proportion of outpatient rehab is increasing - from around 12% in 2013 to around 16% last year.

The average age of people completing medical rehabilitation is also rising. While women were 51.0 years old on average in 2013 and men 50.5 years old, the average age of female rehabilitants in 2023 was 52.9 years and that of male rehabilitants 52.3 years.

The aim of rehabilitation services is to improve or restore the earning capacity of insured persons with acute or chronic illnesses in order to prevent premature retirement from working life.