Bill for medical treatment
Health Service patients in Spain to be told the cost of their treatment
The idea, presented to Congress on Wednesday by the Minister for Health, Trinidad Jiménez, is to build awareness about the high costs of treatments.
A so-called ‘invoice in the shadows’ is to be introduced in the Spanish health service.
The news was given on Wednesday by the Minister for Health, Trinidad Jiménez, who explained that from September patients would be presented with a document outlining the real cost of the treatment that they had received. The symbolic bill will be given whether the patient has just received a prescription, x-ray or has had a stay in hospital.
It’s hoped to educate the public on the ever spiralling costs facing the health service, and to generate a more adequate use of the facilities by patients.
Under the Government’s plans already announced to reduce the state deficit, the health services across Spain’s regions will have to save some 4.6 billion €.
There has also been some talk of late of introducing some system of ‘co-payment’, but for now the Ministry is denying that possibility. Some however consider producing a bill takes the system just one step away from sharing the cost.
There are more confirmed changes on the way, with new legislation to guarantee to universality of the coverage across the country due in October and legislation to equalise waiting times nationally due in November.
The idea, presented to Congress on Wednesday by the Minister for Health, Trinidad Jiménez, is to build awareness about the high costs of treatments.
A so-called ‘invoice in the shadows’ is to be introduced in the Spanish health service.
The news was given on Wednesday by the Minister for Health, Trinidad Jiménez, who explained that from September patients would be presented with a document outlining the real cost of the treatment that they had received. The symbolic bill will be given whether the patient has just received a prescription, x-ray or has had a stay in hospital.
It’s hoped to educate the public on the ever spiralling costs facing the health service, and to generate a more adequate use of the facilities by patients.
Under the Government’s plans already announced to reduce the state deficit, the health services across Spain’s regions will have to save some 4.6 billion €.
There has also been some talk of late of introducing some system of ‘co-payment’, but for now the Ministry is denying that possibility. Some however consider producing a bill takes the system just one step away from sharing the cost.
There are more confirmed changes on the way, with new legislation to guarantee to universality of the coverage across the country due in October and legislation to equalise waiting times nationally due in November.
Source: typicallyspanish
What do you think of the idea?
Comments
How are things?
I didn't know this, but I think it's very important, in order that everybody knows what's the things cost.
It's incredible, in Spain, everybody think everything is free!!! And they should know that the health in Spain is too expensive and they mustn't abuse.
Have a wonderful weekend
How's it going?
I disgree. I think it is unnecessary. The cost of implementing the idea will outweigh any benefits.
... everybody knows WHAT THE THINGS COST.
It's incredible, in Spain, EVERYBODY THINKS everything is free!!! And they should know that THE HEALTH SERVICE in Spain is VERY expensive and they mustn't abuse IT.
What do you think about charging one euro if you have to visit your doctor?