A binding estimate doctors from 70 euros
Posted on September 7, 2008
Filed Under General |
For several months the possibility to define a minimum amount above which doctors would be obliged to submit a written offer to their patient is being considered. Friday, September 5, in an interview with Figaro, the Minister of Health, Roselyne Bachelot, announced that the minimum amount will be set at 70 euros. Questioned by Relaxnews, the Ministry of Health did not specify the date of publication of the measure in the Official Journal.In addition to the latter, a measure setting “a standard specifications for all audio-prostheses, distinguishing the price of the device itself and the benefit that goes with it” will be published “in mid-Sept.,” announced the minister.
In October, a third decree will appear, allowing health insurance to apply a financial penalty for doctors who do not display their prices and those who practice overruns fees without “tact and measure” That would be against their ethics.
Estimated in the Act of financing Social Security (LFSS 2008), passed on December 19, 2007, measures concerning the imposition of a quote practitioners free and fee-compliance with the obligation to display fares are not yet entered into force. The surgery, radiology and dentistry should be most concerned.
According to current regulations, only doctors installed a 2 sector can apply for overruns fees, which are obliged to respect the principle of “tact and measurement.” The Dentists are also allowed to practise overruns, only for orthodontic care and prosthetic and subject to the establishment of a quotation.
Despite the legislation, a survey conducted at the end of 2005 by the Dgccrf revealed that less than half the doctors showed their fees in their waiting room. A proportion down from 2000.
This year, the Health Insurance has already taken a step towards transparency of tariffs for doctors. Since early August, it makes available to all policyholders on its Web site, rates of fee-free doctors and dentists located in France.
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