Austria
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Healthcare System
Austria employs a social health insurance system based on mandatory contributions from employees and employers. The system provides universal healthcare coverage to its citizens and residents, ensuring access to a wide range of medical services.
The Federal Ministry of Social Affairs, Health, Care, and Consumer Protection is responsible for overseeing the healthcare system in Austria. The country's social health insurance is administered by regional health insurance funds called Gebietskrankenkassen. There are nine regional funds, one for each of Austria's provinces, and several smaller specialized funds for specific professional groups.
The population receives comprehensive healthcare benefits through the system, including access to primary care, specialist care, hospital care, dental care, and prescription medications. The system also covers preventive care, maternity care, and rehabilitation services. Additionally, it provides financial support for patients with chronic illnesses or disabilities. To access healthcare benefits in Austria, individuals must have health insurance, which is mandatory for all residents. Individuals may access any level of the healthcare system with no restrictions, as there is no formal gatekeeping system in place.
To access the benefits provided by the Austrian healthcare system, an individual must be a citizen or a legal resident of the country. They also must be enrolled in the social health insurance system, which is typically achieved through mandatory contributions from both employees and employers. Additionally, family members of insured individuals, such as spouses and children, can access healthcare benefits without any additional contributions.
Claims data in Austria is primarily collected and managed by the regional health insurance funds. The country maintains a Central Patient Registry, which contains anonymized data on hospital admissions and discharges. Electronic health records (EHR) are being increasingly adopted, with the Austrian ELGA system providing a secure platform for healthcare providers to access and share patient information, including medical history, laboratory results, and radiology reports. The ELGA system is designed to improve coordination and continuity of care, while also maintaining strict data privacy and security measures.
Administrative or Claims Data
Registries
Database: Statistik Austria Cancer Registry
Database: Statistik Austria Cause of Death Registry
Database: The Austrian Brain Tumour Registry (ABTR)
Databases for Clinical Trials, Surveys and Biobanks
Latest Policymaking Initiatives
Report: Austrian Cancer Report
Sponsor, manager or home institution: Österreichische Gesellschaft für Hämatologie & Medizinische Onkologie (OeGHO) and Österreichischen Krebshilfe.
Primary purpose: To present initiatives and innovations aimed at improving treatment concepts and care for people with cancer in Austria, providing an overview of epidemiological data and cancer research, and highlighting important innovations and challenges in the field of oncology.
Type of information: The most common tumor locations; Cancer survival; Development of hospice and palliative care per facility type.
Data level: National level.
Access to information: Access Information [1].
Report: EU Country Cancer Profile 2023
Sponsor, manager or home institution: OECD and European Commission.
Primary purpose: To provide reliable data on cancer prevention and care, identifying trends, disparities, and inequalities among EU Member States and regions to guide interventions under Europe's Beating Cancer Plan.
Type of information: National cancer burden; Cancer incidence and mortality; Risk factors for cancer; Early detection programs (screenings); Cancer care performance, The impact of COVID-19 on cancer care.
Data level: National level.
Access to information: Access Information [2].
Patient Association: Europa Donna Austria
Self-help Group: Austrian Cancer Aid
Self-help group: SHG Brain Tumor Vienna
Self-help group: Mamma Mia
Self-help group: Multiple Myeloma Self-Help Austria
Self-help group: Myeloma and Lymphoma Aid Austria
Self-help group: Self-help Colon Cancer
Self-help group: Self-Help Prostate Cancer
Self-help group: Austria's laryngeal and throat breathers registered association
Compilation: ESMO Patient Guides
Quality of Life and Palliative Care Research
List of Articles: Quality of Life [3] and Palliative Care [4].
