“We need a solution that makes sense for both the insured and the doctors,” emphasizes the Vice President of the Austrian Medical Association.
Vienna (OTS) – Edgar Wutscher, Vice President of the Austrian Medical Association and Chairman of the Federal Curia of Resident Doctors, comments on the current discussion about testing in suspected COVID cases. They are of course interested in finding a solution in the interests of the patients and will approach the discussions with the social security system in a constructive manner will no longer be funded by the federal government from April 1st. “But one thing is also clear: quality has its price. We need a solution that makes sense for both the insured and the doctors,” emphasizes Wutscher. On the one hand, the costs of the tests, which many patients rely on in order to receive antiviral medication, should not simply be passed on to the insured. “On the other hand, the effort for the doctors must be compensated fairly and appropriately,” reminds Wutscher, pointing out that it is not just the cost of the tests, but also involves collection, evaluation and documentation. “If it is not possible for the social insurance companies to continue financing the tests, I would expect the federal government to intervene in the interests of the health of its citizens and provide additional financial resources,” emphasizes Wutscher.
Wutscher also warned against overstating the reliability of the cheapest tests on the market. “We know from experience that tests with sufficiently reliable information come at a price.” The COVID tests brought into play by social insurance in the double-digit cent range, especially in the self-application that is also proposed, are by no means safe diagnostic tools and can provide the correct diagnosis even delay it or at least make it unnecessarily more expensive for the insured, says Wutscher. “In addition, the workload for doctors could increase if they receive incorrect or dubious test results when making a diagnosis. This unnecessary detour is even more detrimental to the care of the insured,” reminds Wutscher. It is efficient and patient-friendly to enable patients to receive the correct diagnosis and start the appropriate treatment as quickly as possible, says Wutscher: “This not only means free COVID tests, but also influenza and RSV tests as a benefit in kind from the health insurance companies.” About the We would be happy to discuss the design with the health insurance companies, but one thing is important, says Wutscher: “That the needs and health of the insured are once again the focus of consideration for all system partners.”
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