Doctors No charge for bonus stamp

Stamps in the bonus booklet have been free of charge for patients since October

11/29/2013

For stamps in the bonus booklet, physicians are no longer allowed to charge fees since 1 October 2013. This service is part of the health check-up and may no longer be billed privately with the patient. So far, doctors demanded up to five euros for a stamp after a dentist check, vaccination or cancer prevention. This is reported by the Potsdam Advice Center of the Independent Patient Counseling Germany (UPD).

Stamps in the bonus booklet after preventive examinations are part of the contractual medical service
Since October, doctors are not allowed to charge a fee from the patient if they ask for a check-up in the bonus booklet after a check-up. Nevertheless, some practices continue to charge. „We always have questions from patients about whether and when they have to pay a fee. "As a matter of principle, examinations in the context of early detection are included in the contract medical services that are taken over by the health insurance company, including stamps in the bonus booklet for the prevention of pregnancy and cancer, early detection of diseases in children and adolescents, vaccinations and annual dental checks.

As a rule, the patient receives the stamp immediately after the examination. However, once it is forgotten, it is possible to have it added to the bonus booklet for free within the quarter. If the quarter has already passed, however, a fee may be due. The UPD advises patients in case of problems to invoke Paragraph 36 (7) of the Federal Constitutional Treaty of Physicians.

Since 2004, health insurers have been offering bonus programs for health-conscious behavior
Since 2004, health insurance companies can offer bonus programs for certain health-promoting measures. This includes participation in nutrition courses, smoking cessation, sports activities and relaxation exercises. These supplementary premiums of the funds are regulated in Article 65a of the Social Security Code. The aim of the measures is to promote health behavior. „The confirmation in the bonus booklet you get then with the provider, sometimes directly with the health insurance, "explains Fabris.