Author
Bernd Dobbert, as appeared in Alpha1 Journal 2/2025.
On the initiative of the chief physician of the internal medicine department of St. Marien-Hospital Cologne, Dr. Andreas Schlesinger, a presentation of the outpatient rehabilitation center AmKaRe took place in Cologne-Poll on October 22, 2025.
All interested patients as well as the heads of the sarcoidosis network, the pulmonary fibrosis association and the self-help group Alpha1 Cologne were invited to the rehabilitation center.
The rehabilitation center was first presented by its managing director, Heike Jeß. AmKaRe is an outpatient rehabilitation center for heart, lung, and vascular conditions in Cologne. Each rehabilitation program lasts three weeks and is conducted full-day, five days a week. A pick-up service from home is offered upon request.
There is generally no difference between applying for inpatient or outpatient rehabilitation. AmKaRe is happy to assist with the application to the pension insurance provider or health insurance company. At the beginning of the rehabilitation program, a medical consultation and examination by a cardiologist or pulmonologist will take place.
The rehabilitation program itself includes a wide range of services. A team of doctors, sports scientists, psychologists, and nutritionists compiles the services and provides support throughout the rehabilitation process.
After completing rehabilitation, an affiliated physiotherapy practice is available where you can continue training or receive supplementary treatments with or without a prescription.
Of course, physical well-being is also taken care of during the rehabilitation.
After the presentation by AmKaRe, our self-help groups were given the opportunity to introduce themselves. The respective group leaders presented their work. Afterwards, there was an opportunity for personal exchange. A small buffet was also provided.
I was able to have interesting conversations with Mrs. Jeß, Dr. Schlesinger, physiotherapists and the other self-help groups.
Overall, it was a very intensive afternoon with new and interesting contacts. Regular contact was agreed upon with all participants.
I think the idea of considering outpatient rehabilitation as well as inpatient care is fantastic. Of course, AmKaRe is primarily suitable for patients who live in Cologne or the surrounding area. But hopefully, there will soon be many more outpatient rehabilitation providers in other regions.
Overall, I really liked the atmosphere at AmKaRe. Even the entrance to the park-like grounds is impressive. The overall concept, with the experienced pulmonologist and Alpha-1 expert Dr. Justus de Zeeuw, seems ideal for us Alpha-1 patients.
You can find more information at the address www.amkare.de
Please feel free to contact me if you have any further questions.
