Kontrolltermine

Kontrolltermine are planned follow-up appointments used in German-speaking healthcare and related services to monitor a patient’s health status, assess the effectiveness of a treatment, and determine subsequent steps in care. They are common across medical disciplines such as general medicine, dentistry, psychiatry, oncology, rehabilitation, and social services, and may also appear in management or administrative contexts within care systems.

The primary purpose of Kontrolltermine is to ensure continuity of care. They help detect adverse effects, gauge treatment response, adjust therapies, reinforce self-management, and prevent complications through timely intervention. They also facilitate coordination among different providers and care settings, and in some systems may be tied to reimbursement or care plans.

Typical elements of a Kontrolltermin include scheduling at the end of a visit, collection of relevant information before or during the appointment (symptoms, vital signs, laboratory results, imaging findings), a clinical assessment, and a decision about next steps. Possible outcomes include continuing the current plan, modifying treatment, ordering further tests, referring to a specialist, or discharging from ongoing care. Documentation and patient education, along with reminder systems, are often part of the process.

Frequency and duration of Kontrolltermine vary widely depending on the condition, treatment goals, and healthcare setting. They may occur soon after an initial encounter and recur at regular intervals in chronic disease management. Telehealth can substitute for some in-person visits where appropriate.

See also: Nachsorge (aftercare), follow-up appointment, care plan.