A doctor in Mainz charges a flat rate of five euros for energy and hygiene for each visit to the practice. The Rhineland-Palatinate State Medical Association speaks of “inadmissible fees”.
In times of rising energy costs, companies and self-employed people have to find solutions to cover these costs. Some have increased their prices, such as restaurateurs. Others have (temporarily) charged energy and hygiene flat rates. An example of this are hairdressers. A private medical practice in Mainz also charges this flat rate.
Patients should pay for hygiene and energy
Patients must sign a corresponding declaration of consent, which is available to the SWR. It says, among other things: “Due to greatly increased costs as a result of the corona pandemic, there are significant additional costs for maintaining a high hygiene standard. Due to the elimination of the previously established hygiene flat rate for this […] From April 2022, I will charge a fee of €3.00 for every appointment in the practice. Due to significantly increased energy costs, an energy flat rate of €2.00 per visit to the practice will also be charged from January 2024.” That means an extra five euros per visit to the doctor.
The fee schedule does not allow this requirement
A surprised patient contacted SWR and asked: “Can she just do that?” The research has shown that the specialist is apparently demanding money from her patients that she is not legally entitled to. The Association of Private Health Insurance speaks of “unacceptable costs” and explains that hygiene is a basic requirement for careful and professional medical services.
The association refers to the fee schedule for doctors. It regulates what costs doctors are allowed to charge. Accordingly, the practice costs are covered by the fees that doctors charge for their treatment. According to the fee schedule, this explicitly includes the costs for consultation hours and the costs for the use of instruments and equipment.
Complaint against doctor possible
The Rhineland-Palatinate State Medical Association also comes to the conclusion that this is an “unusual procedure” and that these fees are not permitted. The chamber announced: “During the corona pandemic, a flat rate hygiene fee was allowed to be charged at times. However, this was limited.”
Affected patients have the opportunity to contact the Rhineland-Palatinate State Medical Association with a complaint. The complaint could result in a warning for the doctor or a fine. Patients also have the opportunity to claim the flat rates back from the practice.
The SWR asked the doctor in writing for a statement. She has not yet responded to the request from September 30th.
Rheinland-Pfalz
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