Utilization of Rehabilitation after Disk Surgery A Cross-Sectoral Analysis of Claims Data from Statutory Health Insurance and German Federal Pension Fund

Objectives The aim of this study was to identify relevant factors that influence utilization and interim period between hospitalization and postoperative rehabilitation after disk surgery. Methods Logistic regression was performed for utilization of an early postoperative rehabilitation and for an interim period, when patients were going to a rehabilitation facility (directly after hospitalization or after a period at home) on claims data from statutory pension insurance and statutory health insurance. Results Increased utilization of postoperative rehabilitation was found in older and German patients. Moreover, adiposity and additional physiotherapy in hospital increased the utilization of postoperative rehabilitation, while blood transfusion during hospitalization was an inhibiting factor. Female gender, older age and additional physiotherapy in hospital decreased the probability for an interim period between hospitalization and postoperative rehabilitation. However, the probability for an interim period increased from 2005 to 2010. Conclusion Utilization and interim period between hospitalization and postoperative rehabilitation meet patient's needs and seem adequate. Nevertheless, there are indications for under-utilization of certain patient groups (foreign citizens, unemployed persons, male patients).