No sale of self-payer benefits

No sale of self-payer benefits in the waiting room

09/12/2014

Consumer shooters point out that patients do not have to decide in the waiting room of a doctor's office, if they later a so-called „Individual health care“ (IGeL) or not. Apparently, patients had complained on an internet portal.

Benefits to be paid by the patient
So-called „Individual health services“ (IGeL) are services that physicians and psychotherapists can offer their legally insured patients against self-payment. These include ultrasound examinations, cancer screening examinations, certain laboratory services and medications, as well as naturopathic therapies such as Bach flower therapy, bloodletting or acupuncture. Since the costs of such services are not covered by the health insurance funds, information about benefits and possible risks as well as the costs incurred are of great importance. Patients who are not satisfied can complain for some months on the Internet portal www.igel-aerger.de the consumer center (VZ) North Rhine-Westphalia.

Patients do not have to sign explanation to waiver
Patients have apparently complained in the online forum of this portal. As „aponet.de“ According to the Consumer Agency, it was reported that in every fifth complaint it was reported that patients had to tick on a form in the anteroom already, whether they wanted to have an IGeL to pay themselves, and also had to sign this decision. Patients should join with their cross „No declare that they do not want additional medical health care in addition to the statutory health insurance. However, as the Consumer Center notes, such a waiver is without any legal basis. Therefore, insured persons should not be put under pressure. You would not have to sign such statements.

Insecure patients in the anteroom
However, many patients in the anteroom would already confusedly agree to accept individual health care, even though they do not yet know the possible illness and associated treatment at this time. This happens especially often in glaucoma preventive examinations at the ophthalmologist or additional paid ultrasound examinations in gynecologists. Some physicians state in support of such a form that they wanted to protect themselves against unjustified liability claims by voting against the additional medical treatment. This in the event that patients fell ill due to the non-use and would make claims for damages. Furthermore, it is said by the VZ that IGeL offers are basically voluntary and medically not always necessary services. There is no documentation obligation for doctors if patients did not want them. The Consumer Center further stated that patients should not be disadvantaged for further treatment if they choose not to self-payer. (Ad)