Thyroid diseases: Experts demand better treatment in Austria!

Thyroid diseases: Experts demand better treatment in Austria!

Österreich - On May 23, 2025, the experts will indicate the crucial role of nuclear medicine in the treatment of thyroid diseases on the World Taga Day. The nuclear doctor Alexander Becherer from the Austrian Medical Association (ÖÄK) and Michael Gabriel from the Austrian Society for Nuclear Medicine and Molecular imaging (OGNT) emphasize the importance of their specialist knowledge in order to correctly assess the risk of thyroid diseases and to assess suitable therapy approaches. These requirements are relevant in particular against the background of inadequate care for many affected people in Austria, which often do not receive adequate medical care.

A critical voice comes from the experts who denounce the unwillingness of the health insurance companies to improve the care structure. There is currently no overall contract for nuclear medicine in Austria, which leads to significant deadlines and inadequate remuneration for the services provided. Beaker and Gabriel ask the health insurance companies to rethink their blockage and finally facilitate access to diagnosis and treatment.

affected and symptoms

About a third of the population in Central Europe suffers from thyroid diseases, the functional disorders of which can have serious health consequences. Important complaints that should take seriously are nodes on the neck, drop in performance, nervousness, excessive sweating and inexplicable fatigue. This shows that an underactive thyroid often only leads to weight gain in advanced cases. Early diagnoses are therefore essential to avoid worse consequences.

In diagnostics, modern laboratory tests and ultrasound procedures are now used, which enable earlier detection of thyroid diseases. Special expertise is necessary to differentiate between harmless and serious diseases.

The role of endocrinology

In connection with thyroid diseases, the field of endocrinology plays a central role. Endocrinologists not only deal with the thyroid gland, but also with a variety of hormonal diseases. In the German Thyroid Center, specialists with extensive training and knowledge are used to ensure high -quality diagnostics and therapy. Studies such as ultrasound, blood analyzes and thyroid scintigraphs belong to their repertoire.

The endocrinologists give specific therapy recommendations after diagnostics. These range from drug therapy to radio iodine therapy to the necessary surgical interventions. Regular checks are necessary to monitor the course of many thyroid diseases and react accordingly.

Neither the health insurance companies nor the health institutions in Austria could avoid the necessary reforms longer. The need for a uniform performance catalog is urgent to improve the situation of nuclear medicine and to provide adequate care.

In the entire discussion, the focus is on the vital function of the thyroid gland and its hormone production. These are crucial for the development of infants as well as for the metabolism and the nervous system. The responsibility is also on the shoulders of society and relevant actors to take suitable measures to improve support for people with thyroid diseases.