Osteopathy in Austria

Osteopathy has been known in Austria since 1900. Thorough training and good treatments results led to a rapid spread of osteopathic treatment.

Legal Situation

Professional regulation

In Austria, osteopathy is an independent form of therapy that is yet to be regulated by the state. Generally, osteopathy is practiced by doctors and physiotherapists with extensive osteopathic training. The majority of osteopaths work independently. MDs and dentists can practice osteopathy without any restriction, while physiotherapists may only practice osteopathy after referral by a licenced doctor due to their professional legal framework (Austrian law for Medico-Technical Services (MTD Law).

Law of insurance

Osteopathic treatment is neither fully nor partially covered by the Austrian state insurance. Depending on the plan, some private complementary plans may fully or partially reimburse cost for such treatment.

Tax law

Pursuant to §6 paragraph 1 # 19.1 of the Austrian value-added tax law, physiotherapists and doctors are except from VAT when practicing any form of treatment in their scope of application.

Organisations

Österreichische Gesellschaft für Osteopathie (OEGO)

OEGO is the professional lobby of the Austrian osteopaths and currently has more than 300 members, some from the medical profession and some from other backgrounds.

In order to promote integration of osteopathy on a European level, OEGO is a member of the European Federation & Forum for Osteopathy (EFFO)

Österreichische Ärztegesellschaft für Osteopathie, osteopathische Medizin und klinische Osteopathie (OEÄGO)

OEÄGO is represented in the umbrella organisation for complementary medicine (Dachverband für Komplementärmedizin). All members of this organisation are also members of OEGO. (http://www.medosteo.at/index.php/ct-menu-item-28)

Osteopathy around the global

Neither in Europe nor worldwide is there any consistent regulation of osteopathy. There is country specific progress when it comes to the recognition of the profession. Umbrella organisations around the world strive to achieve consistent standardized recognition of osteopathy.

European Umbrella Organisations

European Federation & Forum for Osteopathy (EFFO)

The European Federation and Forum for Osteopathy (EFFO) promotes standards, regulation and recognition for osteopaths in Europe.

The organisation comprises the lead professional associations and regulatory authorities from Europe, which come together to advance awareness and recognition of the role that osteopaths bring to the health and wellbeing of the public, and ensure high standards of osteopathic care as well as patient safety. Read more about EFFO.