title: [Significance of environmental medicine from the viewpoint of the medical review board of the social health insurance program].
abstract: Tasks concerning environmental medicine are a significant aspect of the expert work done by the medical review board of the social health insurance fund. Thus far there are no commonly accepted theories and/or criteria with regard to the cause of environmental incompatibilities, nor are there generally accepted criteria/standards for clinical diagnostic procedures and therapy. Problems arise from the fact that the field of environmental medicine not only offers scientifically accepted and verified diagnostic and therapeutic methods, but also numerous unconventional procedures without verified validity. The decision of the scientific expert has to be based on the legal principles of social legislation and jurisdiction. His/her opinion must be competent, objective and independent. Further research is urgently needed to improve the scientific data pool. With it, well-grounded methods and standards can be offered.
authors.forename: K H
authors.initials: KH
authors.lastname: Antonin
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Burkhard
mesh_terms: D004185:Disability Evaluation; D004608:Eligibility Determination / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D018876:Environmental Illness / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D005104:Expert Testimony / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D005251:Fees, Medical / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D005858:Germany; D006801:Humans; D009313:National Health Programs / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D010348:Patient Care Team / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D012943:Social Security / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*