[ICA-Deutschland e.V.: Status and outlook].

The ICA-Deutschland was founded in 1993 as the first IC organisation in Europe. Since then, the association has been campaigning for more education and information for doctors and the public at the national and international levels, has initiated numerous research projects and has been able to contribute to significantly improving the diagnosis and treatment options for interstitial cystitis. On the ICA website, those affected can find detailed information about interstitial cystitis free of charge: current treatment methods, nutritional advice, patient reports, a newsletter and more.There is a lack of willingness on the part of health insurance agencies to share costs or reimbursement of costs for diagnosis and therapy measures. Even though this is regardless of the fact, that a scientifically based health care study is available, a high-quality guideline is available, many promising medical devices have been developed, an oral drug exists, approved by the EMA.