Styria Launches Comprehensive Care Model for post-Acute infection Syndromes, Including Long Covid
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A new, three-tiered care concept for patients suffering from post-acute infection syndromes (PAIS), encompassing conditions like Long Covid and myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), was approved by the Styrian Health Platform on November 26, 2025. This initiative marks a significant step towards improved medical and social support for individuals experiencing prolonged health issues following infectious diseases.
The Styrian model aims to deliver faster, more structured, and ultimately better care to those affected by these complex conditions. Recognizing the significant challenges in diagnosing and treating PAIS, officials emphasize the need for a coordinated approach and continued research.
Addressing a Growing Need for Specialized Care
“We are dealing with a very insidious disease that has largely not been researched yet,” stated a senior health official.”As a doctor, I no that recognizing and treating PAIS is a major challenge. we have therefore created a three-stage care concept in Styria in order to be able to provide the affected patients with the best possible care.”
The new framework acknowledges the often-uncertain journey patients face navigating the healthcare system. According to a political leader involved in the decision, “For many of those affected, suffering from PAIS means a long and frequently enough uncertain journey through the health system. With the three-tier care concept that has now been adopted, we are creating a decisive framework in Styria to help patients more quickly and in a more targeted manner.”
A Three-Tiered system for Comprehensive Support
The Styrian care concept is built upon existing healthcare infrastructure and establishes a clear pathway across three levels of care. Construction of the outpatient unit,representing the second tier of care,is slated for completion in 2026.
Here’s a breakdown of each level:
level 1: Primary Care – The First Point of Contact
This initial stage focuses on general medicine or primary care providers serving as the central point of contact for patients. Standardized diagnostic tools will be implemented to assess the severity of symptoms, and healthcare professionals will have access to further training programs, digital documentation tools, and telemedicine consultations with specialists.
Level 2: Outpatient Unit & Interprofessional Network
embedded within existing hospital outpatient clinics – such as the University Clinic for Internal Medicine – this level will feature a core team of doctors and administrative specialists collaborating with a wider range of healthcare professionals. This network aims to provide integrated and coordinated care.
Level 3: Interdisciplinary specialized network
Reserved for patients with especially complex cases, this final tier leverages the expertise of university hospitals. Inpatient admissions will be limited to exceptional circumstances, with a focus on highly specialized diagnostics and therapy within designated departments of the University Clinic for Internal Medicine.
Collaboration and Resource Optimization
The Austrian Health Insurance fund (ÖGK) has voiced its strong support for the Styrian care concept. “PAIS care in Styria strengthens cooperation across professions and levels – from primary care to specialized centers,” explained representatives from the ÖGK. “This ensures quick, understandable diagnoses, better quality of treatment and fair social security for those affected. We support this coordinated, three-stage concept because it creates a better offer, bundles resources sensibly and optimally supports patients on thier way through the care system.”
The concept was developed by Josef Smolle, former rector of the Med University of Graz, in collaboration with representatives from the Styrian Academy of General Medicine and the Institute of General Medicine. “With the measures we have designed, we ensure that people who are affected by this often extremely stressful and complex disease find competent care in the public health system,” Smolle emphasized.
The Styrian model represents a proactive approach to addressing the growing challenge of post-acute infection syndromes, offering a framework for improved patient care and a commitment to ongoing research in this critical area of public health.
