Updates on nail brace treatment from July 2025 – less paper work, more clarity
From 1 July 2025, a significant amendment to the framework agreement under Section 125(1) of the German Social Code, Book V (SGB V) will come into force. For podiatrists, this will bring noticeable relief in their day-to-day practice – particularly when treating patients with nail braces.
Less paperwork, more practice
The previous regulations governing the provision of nail braces were often confusing – different brace systems, complex billing, and inconsistent documentation. That is now set to change:
In future, there will be a standard service called ‘nail brace treatment’ for diagnostic groups UI 1 and UI 2. The distinction between different types of braces will no longer apply. Which brace is used will, of course, stay within the responsibility of the treating podiatrist.
What exactly is changing?
- Standardised service:
No longer split by brace type. Everything falls under the new description “nail brace treatment”. - Clear guidelines:
The new description contains all relevant information – service content, standard service times and documentation requirements. - Validity:
For prescriptions issued on or after 1 October 2025, only the new structure applies. Older prescriptions (up to 30 September 2025) will continue to be billed according to the previous regulations – even if treatment begins later.
Inspection services: Now clearly regulated
It was often unclear how many follow-up appointments could be billed following treatment with a nail brace. This has now also been clearly defined: In future, the number of follow-up appointments will depend on the prescribed treatment sessions.
Specification of the location made even clearer
In the past, the location of the toe to be treated was sometimes interpreted differently. From July, clarity will be delivered here too.
Remuneration adjustment despite difficult conditions
Even if the financial situation of statutory health insurance funds is strained, there is good news: remuneration is being adjusted. This is based on entirely real cost factors such as rising inflation, pay rises in the public sector and the commercial rent index – all factors that directly affect day-to-day practice operations.
The changes will be implemented in two stages – with an especially strong focus on the home visit allowance.
The new regulations will provide greater clarity, less bureaucracy and better conditions for day-to-day work in the practice. Anyone using pododesk can be confident that the new billing logic will be incorporated promptly and smoothly.
