After media reports on eye injections: Professional association calls for separate reimbursement of drugs
In recent days, the media have reported on the potential impact of the new outpatient flat rates on the treatment of retinal diseases. One of the topics discussed was that the reimbursement system could influence the choice of certain medications.
The Swiss Ophthalmological Society (SOG) states that therapeutic decisions are made exclusively on the basis of medical evidence and the patient's individual situation.
Against this backdrop, the SOG has already requested as part of the further development of the outpatient tariff system in 2025 that medication should not be included in the flat rate for injecting medication into the eye, but should be paid for separately from 2027.
It must be ensured that medical services are adequately compensated - regardless of the price of medicines. This is particularly the case if medication costs make up a large proportion of the lump sum. This ensures the integrity of the system, which requires a clear separation of medical services and medication costs to increase the transparency and sustainability of the flat-rate system.
This is intended to ensure that medical innovations and evidence-based therapies are not influenced by misguided tariff incentives.
Subject to approval by the Federal Council, it is planned to implement this adjustment as part of the further development of the tariff structure from 2027.
The Swiss Ophthalmological Society (SOG), together with other specialist societies, is committed to a medically appropriate and patient-centered tariff structure.
Source and further information: www.sog-sso.ch
