What Is a Blank Prescription in Physiotherapy?
A Blankoverordnung is a special type of physiotherapy prescription. Your doctor makes the diagnosis and simply writes “Blankoverordnung” on the form. Your physiotherapist then takes full responsibility for planning the treatment — deciding which therapies (e.g. massage, exercise therapy, heat therapy) you need, how often, and how long.
The big advantage: The therapy can be adapted more flexibly to your healing process — without requiring you to go back to the doctor for every change. Your health insurance still covers the cost, just like with a regular prescription.
Good to know:
In effect since 1 November 2024
Currently only applies to shoulder-related conditions
Your insurance coverage remains unchanged
Billed as usual through your statutory health insurance
Does My Insurance Cover the Blank Prescription?
Yes. Statutory health insurance covers a blank prescription exactly the same way it covers a standard physiotherapy prescription. There are no extra charges. You only pay the usual statutory co-payment: €10 per prescription plus 10% of the treatment cost.
Example for statutory insured patients:
Prescription fee: €10
Co-pay per session: approx. €1.50 to €3
For 10 sessions: total out-of-pocket cost = approx. €25 to €40
Privately insured? Your coverage depends on your contract. Ask your insurer in advance whether and how much they will reimburse for blank prescriptions.
What Conditions Are Eligible?
Currently, blank prescriptions apply only to certain shoulder conditions — about 100 diagnoses including:
Rotator cuff injuries (e.g. tendon tears)
Shoulder dislocation
Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis)
Fractures in the shoulder region
Bursitis
Shoulder joint osteoarthritis
Important: Not all shoulder issues qualify. Your doctor will check whether your condition is on the official list. If not, you’ll receive a standard prescription.
What Does Treatment Look Like?
After receiving your prescription, you schedule a session with your physiotherapist. The treatment process typically includes:
Initial assessment (30 minutes): A full diagnostic evaluation, including movement tests and patient history. The therapist creates a personalized plan.
Tailored treatment: Based on the findings, your therapist chooses the right methods — e.g. manual therapy, exercise therapy, electrotherapy.
Flexible adjustments: As you improve, your therapist can intensify or modify the approach. If issues arise, treatment can be adjusted quickly.
Documentation: All sessions are documented. Your doctor receives a summary at the end.
How Long Is a Blank Prescription Valid?
A blank prescription is valid for 16 weeks from the date of issue. You must complete your treatment during that time. The first session must take place within 14 days of issuance.
Timeline overview:
Day 1: Prescription issued
By Day 14: First session must occur
By Day 112: All sessions completed
From Day 113: New blank prescription possible, if needed
If further treatment is necessary, your therapist will inform your doctor to issue a follow-up prescription.
What Are the Benefits?
The blank prescription offers several practical advantages:
Fewer doctor visits: Adjustments can be made by the therapist directly
More personalized care: Tailored to your progress and needs
Saves time: No waiting for new prescriptions
Better coordination: One provider plans the entire treatment
No extra costs: You pay the same as for a regular prescription
How Is It Different from a Standard Prescription?
Aspect | Standard Prescription | Blank Prescription |
Therapy planning | Doctor decides | Physiotherapist decides |
Number of sessions | Predefined (e.g. 6× PT) | Flexible within 16 weeks |
Type of therapy | Fixed | Adaptable |
Cost to patient | Standard co-payment | Standard co-payment |
Validity | Usually 28 days | 16 weeks |
Changes | New prescription needed | Done directly by therapist |
Practical Tips
To get the most out of your blank prescription:
Always bring the original form to your sessions
Stick to your appointments to stay within the 16-week timeframe
Communicate openly about progress or setbacks
Track your symptoms and improvements for better feedback
Notify your doctor if there’s no improvement after a few sessions
Pro tip: Take a photo of your prescription as a backup, but always bring the original to your appointments.
When Should You See Your Doctor Again?
Even with a blank prescription, some symptoms require urgent medical evaluation:
Sudden worsening of pain
Numbness or tingling in the arm
Loss of strength or movement
Fever combined with shoulder pain
A fall or re-injury of the shoulder
No improvement after 4–6 sessions
These could be signs of complications. Don’t hesitate to contact your doctor during the therapy period.
Can I Receive Other Treatments at the Same Time?
Yes — you can receive additional prescriptions for unrelated issues.
Example: You have a blank prescription for shoulder rehab and a standard prescription for back pain. Both can be used in parallel.
Not allowed:
Two blank prescriptions for the same shoulder
A blank and a standard prescription for the same shoulder issue at the same time
Will Blank Prescriptions Be Extended to Other Conditions?
Right now, it’s a pilot project limited to shoulder diagnoses. Based on outcomes and feedback, it may be expanded to other indications — similar to how it already works in occupational therapy (since April 2024).
Is It Right for Me?
A blank prescription could be a great fit if:
You have a qualifying shoulder diagnosis
You want flexible, needs-based treatment
You trust your physiotherapist’s expertise
You’d prefer to skip unnecessary doctor appointments
Talk to your doctor about whether a blank prescription makes sense for your case. They’ll assess if it’s a good fit for your condition and goals.
The Blankoverordnung opens the door to more responsive, personalized physiotherapy — with no extra cost and less red tape. It’s a modern tool for faster recovery and better care coordination. Use it to your advantage, and stay in close contact with both your therapist and doctor.
