Kiel, June 2, 2016. Every year in Schleswig-Holstein, over 9,500 people are hospitalized for herniated discs. In many cases, this means they require spinal surgery. To determine whether surgery is truly necessary, the Techniker Krankenkasse (TK) health insurance company offers its members in Schleswig-Holstein a free second medical opinion regarding spinal surgery.

“Especially with back problems, there is considerable potential for successful treatment even without surgery. The prerequisite is that the patient receives an individually tailored, interdisciplinary treatment plan. This enables rapid activation and pain reduction,” says Prof. Dr. Hartmut Göbel, head of the Kiel Pain Clinic. The clinic is one of 33 specialized pain centers nationwide belonging to the TK network.

The health insurance company has had positive experiences with its second opinion service for back surgeries. “Many people are unsure whether surgery is truly necessary. A second opinion makes particular sense for back operations, as there are numerous alternatives such as pain management, behavioral therapy, and physiotherapy,” says Dr. Johann Brunkhorst, head of the TK (Techniker Krankenkasse) state office in Schleswig-Holstein. “In almost nine out of ten cases, the procedures were unnecessary, and conservative treatment was recommended instead of surgery.”.

 “Dr. Google” does not replace a second opinion                                      

According to a survey conducted by the Forsa opinion research institute on behalf of TK (Techniker Krankenkasse), three-quarters of respondents – including those aged 60 to 70 – already search for health information primarily or exclusively online. And more than half (52 percent) stated that they intend to contact their doctor via the internet or already do so. “The internet can be an important source of information. But especially with complex symptoms, ‘Dr. Google’ is no substitute for a qualified second opinion,” said the TK regional director.

 Background information

TK-insured individuals can obtain a free professional second opinion from a team of physiotherapists, pain specialists, and psychotherapists before a planned surgical procedure on the spine, hip, shoulder, or knee. Appointments are scheduled within two days. At 33 pain centers nationwide, including the Kiel Pain Clinic, experts from various medical disciplines examine and advise patients and, if necessary, recommend alternative non-surgical therapies.

Information on the TK offer “Second opinion before spinal and joint surgery” can be found at www.tk.de, web code 813136 .