Doctor Price Increases: Dermatologists, Psychiatrists, Pediatricians – January 1st
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Specialist Doctor Fees in France to Rise on January 1st: What You Need to Know
Paris, France – French patients seeking care from specialist doctors – including pediatricians, gynecologists, psychiatrists, and dermatologists – will face increased consultation fees starting January 1st, 2024. This price hike impacts those consulting secteur 1 (those with a standard agreement with the national health insurance) and secteur 2 (those with an agreement allowing for fees above the standard rate) doctors. The changes are prompting concern among patients and healthcare advocates about access to care, notably for those with limited financial resources.
The scope of the Increases
Reports from La Dépêche, Libération, and le Figaro confirm that a wide range of specialists are adjusting their fees. While the exact amount of the increase varies by specialty and doctor, the trend is clear.
Here’s a breakdown of expected increases,based on available reporting (note: these are averages and individual doctor fees will differ):
| Specialty | Estimated average Increase | Typical Current Consultation Fee (Sector 2 – €) | Estimated New Consultation Fee (Sector 2 – €) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pediatrician | 5-10% | 30-50 | 31.50 - 55 |
| Gynecologist | 5-10% | 35-60 | 36.75 – 66 |
| Psychiatrist | 5-10% | 40-80 | 42 – 88 |
| Dermatologist | 5-10% | 30-50 | 31.50 - 55 |
| Other Specialists (Neurologist, Cardiologist, etc.) | 5-10% | 35-70 | 36.75 – 77 |
Critically important Note: Secteur 1 doctors, who adhere strictly to the national health insurance rates, are less likely to increase fees directly, but the overall impact on the healthcare system could still affect patient access.
Why are Fees Increasing?
The primary driver behind these increases is a combination of factors, including:
* Inflation: Rising operational costs for medical practices (rent, utilities, supplies) are putting pressure on doctors to adjust their fees.
* Stagnant National Health Insurance Reimbursement Rates: Doctors argue that the reimbursement rates set by the national health insurance (Assurance Maladie) haven’t kept pace with inflation,making it challenging to maintain viable practices.
* Doctor Shortages: A growing shortage of specialists in certain regions of France is increasing demand and, consequently, allowing doctors to charge higher fees.
* Negotiations with Health Insurance funds: Doctors and health insurance funds negotiate fee schedules, and recent negotiations have resulted