Negotiations for the new five-year medical convention, uniting doctors' unions and health insurers, concluded after five months. While the €25 general practitioner consultation fee awaits full approval—with three of five unions hesitant—the agreement must be finalized by all parties by August 26. Here's what patients can expect starting next year.
General practitioner visits will rise to €25 in May 2017, up €2 from the current rate. Specialist consultations will increase from €46 to €48 in October 2017, reaching €50 by July 2018. For children under 6, GP consultations will cost €30 from May 2017. Complex procedures, including melanoma screenings and initial contraception or STD prevention consultations with GPs or gynecologists, will follow suit. Very complex acts, such as initial consultations for cancer or serious neurological conditions, will reach €60 in November 2017.
Addressing shortages in rural areas, the convention offers €50,000 incentives to doctors who establish practices there, conditional on a three-year commitment and group practice.
The "care access contract" becomes the Controlled Tariff Option (Optam), encouraging doctors to limit excess fees in exchange for social security contribution support. A more attractive version targets surgeons, gynecologists, and obstetricians.
If not signed by August 26, arbitration by a senior official will follow. Stay tuned for updates.
