Carotid revascularization procedures have been added to second-opinion procedure guidelines in Germany, according to a 20 March Federal Joint Committee (Gemeinsame Bundesausschuss, G-BA) resolution.
The resolution provides that patients with statutory health insurance will be able to obtain an independent, second medical opinion if they have been recommended surgery to treat carotid stenosis.
While the Federal Ministry of Health will conduct a legal review of the resolution, Associations of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians (KV) must prepare the approval procedure for specialists entitled to provide second opinions. In its resolution, the G-BA specified which specialist groups are entitled to provide a second opinion. They include specialists in radiology with special expertise in endovascular procedures, among others.
The regulation is expected to become effective on 1 October. See the advisory on the German Radiological Society (DRG) website.
