The physician federation KNMG is bringing the ABS-doctors support center to U-center. ABS-doctors specializes in supporting physicians dealing with problematic substance use or addiction.
"The KNMG chooses this collaboration to ensure the long-term quality of services provided by ABS physicians," explained Astraia Rühl, general director of the KNMG. "Also, structural funding of the activities is necessary from March 1, 2020, when the development grant from the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport expires. The guidance and monitoring of ABS doctors is reimbursed from health insurance. Since the KNMG is not a healthcare provider, ABS doctors cannot claim care under implementation of the KNMG. We find it important that the support center can continue to develop professionally within the context of a healthcare provider."
From the standpoint of KNMG's commitment to the quality of medical practice and public health, KNMG felt and feels it is important to offer a program for these physicians and those around them called ABS physicians. The abbreviation ABS stands for abstinence - abstinence from addictive substances - and the anti-lock braking system of a car.
The KNMG has an oversight role regarding the implementation of the program. The KNMG also continues its efforts to raise awareness of problematic substance use and addiction. In fact, ABS Physicians is also committed to preventing problematic substance use among physicians. ABS Physicians gives presentations and lectures. It develops educational materials to bring the risks of addiction to the attention of students, aios and physicians. KNMG continues to do this part of education.
Ingrid Weijnen, director of innovation and development at U-center, says: "Bringing the support center to U-center does not change the way ABS doctors work or the services they provide. New professionals will strengthen the current expert team. Doctors can also in the future contact ABS-doctors without any obligation and anonymously via the phone number. This can be followed up by several telephone contacts and a consultation with the expert team of ABS-doctors at U-center. No DBC will be opened for this and, as in the current situation, doctors make their own decision whether and where to enter treatment. We are proud that the KNMG is partnering with U-center and will continue to develop this wonderful concept with great enthusiasm."
For more information about ABS physicians, click here.