ÖGK Will Significantly Reduce Referrals for CT and MRI
For the year 2024, the ÖGK is expecting a deficit of around 900 million euros. To manage this financial burden, the fund has requested in a letter to doctors to more strictly analyze referrals for CT and MRI examinations, as reported by ORF.
Letter to Doctors with Measures for Cost Reduction
According to the ÖGK, expenses for these diagnostic procedures are expected to rise by about 14 percent in 2024, resulting in an additional cost of around 30 million euros.
In the mentioned letter, the ÖGK highlights four key measures to alleviate the financial situation. One of the central demands is that medical assistants should no longer issue referrals at the request of patients.
Uncertainty Among Doctors and Patients
The reaction of the Medical Association to the announcement was immediate and negative. The content of the letter has caused great uncertainty among doctors as well as patients. It is important that it is clear what is medically necessary and which decisions are made in the best interest of the patient. According to the ÖGK, the goal is not to cut medical services, but rather to encourage a targeted review of the necessity of examinations.
Medical Association Advocates for Digital Solution
Healthcare providers are ready to continue prescribing necessary examinations regardless of the new recommendations from the ÖGK. Nevertheless, doctors have emphasized that the current work environment is characterized by high pressure, which burdens both doctors and patients. The latter often do not understand why they have paid into the social system for a long time, only to now experience difficulties in accessing services.
The Medical Association also sees potential for savings, for example by avoiding duplicate findings, but advocates for a digital solution, which is currently lacking.
(Red)
This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.