More money for dentists through new fee schedule

More money for dentists through new fee schedule: The Association of Private Health Insurance fears additional burdens for all insured.

30.03.2011

According to a new draft law of the Federal Ministry of Health, dentists will receive about six percent higher fees for dental treatment in the future. Yesterday, the draft of the proposed tariff was sent to associations, state governments and health insurance companies. The Association of Private Health Insurance promptly rejected the planned increases. The doctors' fees paid by private dentists have increased 36 percent in the last ten years. Increases affect not only private patients, but also statutory health insurance. After all, cash-desk patients have to pay more and more dental services out of their own pockets.

Six percent higher doctor's fees planned
Dentists should receive according to the will of the Ministry of Health future higher medical fees. Mainly affected are private insured persons. Around six percent more will soon be paying private patients for dental work. The new regulations of the ordinance also affect statutory health insurance. Above all, the fees for dental services are to rise, which are no longer reimbursed by the health insurance funds. These include, for example, back fillings without amalgam filling, elaborate crowns and dental implants. All of these treatments are no longer listed in the catalog of benefits of the funds and must be paid as private additional services.

Outdated fee schedule
In the opinion of the Federal Minister of Health Philipp Rösler (FDP) is the currently valid fee regulation „completely outdated“. For more than 20 years, the regulation has not been renewed. According to the ministry, this is particularly problematic because numerous newer treatment methods have not yet been included in the catalog of benefits. The creation of new services are to be listed.

Federal Dental Association: amendment not far enough
The Federal Dental Association, the planned adjustments are not far-reaching enough. The increases by 6 percent was „far too low“. However, we welcome the decision of the Federal Minister of Health Rösler to give up an opening clause in the draft bill for the GOZ. „This takes account of one of our most important requirements“, said the chairman of the Federal Dental Association, Dr. med. Peter Angel. On the other hand, the design is far too limited „on the scientific status of dentistry and ignores the cost developments of recent years“, criticized angels. From The medical representative must have a „acceptable reform“ three main areas include: No opening clause in the Regulation, updated specifications and compensation for „23 years withheld overdue fee adjustment“. „This amendment is due solely to the political and financial circumstances. New medical standards are not sufficiently considered in the service descriptions. And after 23 years of freezing, an approximately 6 percent increase in business is not acceptable. After this time the dentists are appalled by the dot-value arrest“, complains angel.

Higher spending for insured fears
By contrast, the Association of Private Health Insurance (PKV) sees no need to catch up. The fees for dentists are already in the past „above average growth“. Volker Leienbach, chairman of the PKV said: „The fees from the fee schedule for dentists (GOZ) have already risen above average in recent years.“ Instead, the association also calls in the fee for dentists a so-called „clause“ For „more freedom of contract“ introduce. This could make concrete in the interest of private patients „Quality and performance standards agreed with the dentists“ become.

Not only private patients are affected
Leienbach drew attention to the fact that the planned revised version of the Fee Regulations would affect not only the approximately nine million private insured, but also all 70 million cash patients. For those insured under the law must pay many dental treatments themselves today due to cuts in numerous health services. These costs are charged according to the fee catalog of private services. The draft of the black-yellow coalition therefore ultimately affects all health insurance in Germany.

Strong increase in doctors' fees in the last ten years
According to the PKV, the expenses for dentistry have risen sharply in the last ten years. In 1999, the insurance companies still had to spend 359 euros per insured per year for dentist services. In 2009, it was already 488 euros. This corresponds to an increase in expenditure of around 36 percent. According to this, expenditure is twice as high as the regular price increase (17 percent). Due to this development, the Association President believes that the planned adjustments are completely exaggerated. Any increase in fees will ultimately be at the expense of all insured persons. Overall, the doctors' fees have risen sharply in recent years. (Sb)

Also read:
Dentist price comparison on the Internet allowed
Dentists: rip off teeth cleaning?
Dentist pulled teeth without present indicators?
Physician's fees lead to higher cash contributions?
Strong increase in doctors' fees

Picture: Schemmi