Preparing a continuation request in time

As of October 2026 · about 4 minutes to read

If the approved quota is running low and treatment is to continue, the request must be submitted and processed before the last approved session is used up. Start preparing well before the quota ends: check hours used, collect the course of therapy, write the report, submit complete documents.

Quotas at a glance

Short-term therapy (Kurzzeittherapie, KZT) has two steps of up to twelve sessions each. According to the psychotherapy agreement, conversion to long-term therapy (Langzeittherapie, LZT) must be requested no later than the eighth session of the second short-term step. For long-term therapy, the guideline names an approval step and a maximum per method, both cumulative including the credited short-term sessions (individual therapy, adults):

The values match the KZT/LZT deadline calculator on this site. Check them against the current version of the guideline before every request. Once the approval step is granted, the next step is a request for continuation up to the maximum.

Step by step

1. Establish hours used. Count sessions held, sessions approved and the remainder. Work out when the quota ends at your usual rhythm.
2. Work backwards. Subtract the time you need for the report and the payer's processing time. We deliberately name no fixed processing time; it varies by insurer and reviewer.
3. Decide with the patient. Whether treatment should continue is a joint discussion. Record it in the documentation.
4. Collect the course of therapy. What has happened since the last report: session notes, questionnaire scores with dates, exercises, changes, remaining limitations?
5. Write the report. The continuation report follows the structure of the previous report and adds the course since its date. You write the justification for further sessions yourself.
6. Complete the documents. The patient's application, your details, the report in a sealed envelope and, if needed, a current consultation report. Details are in the documents checklist.
7. Note the submission. Record the date and route of submission, and set a reminder in case no answer arrives.

What belongs in the report

The report shows the reviewer how treatment has developed and why more sessions are requested. Verifiable statements help: instead of “markedly improved”, give the questionnaire score at the start and most recently with dates, or a concrete observation from a specific session. Also describe what has not yet been achieved; it shows which goals the further sessions pursue. Structure is explained in PTV 3 report: structure and outline.

Private practice, private insurance and Beihilfe

• Private health insurance: The tariff terms decide. Some tariffs cap the number of sessions or require prior cost approval, others follow the guideline. Ask the patient for the tariff and obtain approval for continuation in good time.
• Beihilfe: Eligibility is set by Beihilfe regulations such as the federal Beihilfeverordnung (BBhV) and the regulations of the Länder. For federal civil servants there is a report form that uses the same outline as the PTV 3 report. State rules differ.
• Cost reimbursement under § 13 (3) SGB V: Here too, clarify before the current approval ends whether and to what extent further sessions are covered. Background: Cost reimbursement: what you can certify.

Typical mistakes

• Preparation starts only at the last approved session
• Course of therapy described in general terms, without date or score
• Requested volume does not match the sessions already held
• Incomplete documents, so the file is returned
• No reminder when an answer fails to arrive

How software can help

Preparation is mostly counting, searching and scheduling. The Application Copilot shows approved and used sessions per case and reminds you by when a continuation request must be filed if you want to continue treatment. On request it creates a draft continuation report that carries over your details from the last report and adds only what is newly documented, each with its source. You write the justification; nothing is signed, exported or sent without you. The sample report on a fictional case gives an impression; interested practices can join the waitlist.

Frequently asked questions

How early should I file the continuation request?

Early enough that the payer's decision is available before the last approved session takes place. A fixed number is not meaningful because processing times vary. Work backwards from the expected end of the quota and allow time for the report.

What happens if the quota is used up before the decision arrives?

That depends on the payer and the contract. Agree in advance with the patient how this case will be handled and put the agreement in writing.

Do the guideline quotas also apply to privately insured patients?

Not automatically. Private tariffs and Beihilfe rules set the volume independently, although they often follow the guideline. The tariff terms and the cost approval in the individual case decide.