After a stroke, the visual center of a 46-year-old no longer functions. However, she was not sent to a neurologist, but to an ophthalmologist, who accused her of “malingering”. Now she is waging a desperate battle for health care benefits and also announces questionable events to which the pension insurer does not respond.
Three-minute home visits and conclusions that are not even technically possible – because the findings have not even been roughly examined! Such reports are becoming more and more common, and the “Krone” reports again and again. Such as in the case of Bettina Schenkenfelder (46) from the Baden district.
Stroke discovered too late
As a child she suffered from epilepsy. In January 2023, she suffered a stroke, which was initially classified differently. “I complained of a headache and a few hours later I couldn’t see anything anymore. Only two days later was a scan made, “unfortunately the visual center has died,” the woman describes that the eyes can still “see”, but the part of the brain can no longer process this.
Increase in the level of care initially rejected
She already received care level 1 and asked for an increase. Rejected! “A psychiatrist came to the house. She was in my apartment for about three minutes, took notes and left. There has been no discussion and no insight into my findings.” After two judicial reports, the hearing took place in December. The result: care level 3. But she is virtually blind, which would mean level 4.
Pension insurance: ‘You can sue again’
The pension insurance (PV) bases itself on a report that only shows a serious visual impairment. And: Schenkenfelder could sue again: “By filing the lawsuit, Ms. Schenkenfelder may provide current medical reports, which may result in a reassessment of the amount of care, i.e. the level of care, by the court,” it says.
Go to the ophthalmologist with “healthy eyes”.
“I had to see a PV ophthalmologist even though there was nothing wrong with my eyes. “He wrote in the report that I was manipulating,” the patient said indignantly. It was later said that the matter was a matter for the legal department and that a colleague had said nothing about a stroke.
Recommended research was already available
In addition, a brain wave measurement was recommended, but such a finding was already available and confirmed the woman’s information. During this VEP examination, electrodes are attached to the head and measured to see whether the visual center detects anything here or not. “You can’t simulate it. What’s interesting is that my measurements show that my brain doesn’t perceive movements, etc.!”
Difficult questions, no answers
But how is it possible that more and more people are turning to the “Krone” because of similar scandalous reports, findings and pension insurance practices? What is being done here to prevent this? Aren’t there quality controls that offer benefit recipients more certainty in the future?
And why is it not possible to punish and correct almost proven malpractice of an expert, if there are already clear findings that the doctor does not notice and demand? “Krone” has also addressed these and more questions to the pension insurer. However, all these questions remained unanswered.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
