Determining the need for care
A patient is diagnosed with an illness of a certain severity. Following the clinical assessment, the attending physician proposes a treatment plan. Based on the patient’s physical limitations, the attending physician determines the indication for the provision of aids such as a wheelchair. In a doctor-patient consultation, the patient is informed and advised about the need for care and the organizational steps.

Coordination of care needs
The patient agrees that a coordinator from the outpatient partner will be entrusted with organizing the various care tasks and contacting a specialist care partner. At the end of the doctor’s visit, the coordinator is informed of the individual’s care needs. Next, the coordinator contacts the patient and obtains further information about the patient’s specific life situation. Suitable care partners are contacted based on the medical needs assessment and the patient’s social information. In the case of our example patient, contact is made with a medical supply store, such as a specialist provider of wheelchair fittings. Coordination between the individual care partners ensures that the aids fit the patient and can be used optimally. 

Supplement to standard care
Care management via APST with technological support from the APST Internet portal takes place within the established standard care system. The responsibility of the attending physician for the medical necessity and cost-effectiveness of the aids and other medical devices remains unaffected, and the service provided by APST consists of contacting a suitable care partner on behalf of the patient who has the qualifications, experience, and a care contract with the patient’s health insurance company.