Not all providers are reputable: this is how you choose the right Spitex

Marianne Pfister (53) is co-chief executive of the umbrella organization Spitex Switzerland. She sees membership in the association as a kind of “seal of quality” in itself: “All our members, who cover approximately 80 percent of the Spitex market, must fulfill the conditions based on the service contract with the canton or municipality.” They will also need to obtain a Spitex permit from the relevant municipality. The performance authority itself defines the geographic scope.

However, this does not mean that non-members of the association are bad. There is also the ASPS association of private Spitex organizations, which covers about 10 percent of the market and whose members also need a Spitex permit and must meet the conditions of the health insurance company.

What does it cover, what does it cover?

There is a clear procedure when requesting Spitex services. First a doctor needs to prescribe a Spitex medication, then the Spitex you want will clarify your needs. “The latter forms the basis for planning individual care services paid for by compulsory health insurance,” says Pfister, co-president of the association.

It is important to distinguish between the fact that Spitex offers two types of assistance: “care,” which refers to actual medical care, i.e. personal care, wound care, medication dispensing, and more. These care services prescribed by the relevant doctor are subject to insurance in accordance with the Health Insurance Law (KVG).

The situation is different with the second offer of assistance: care and domestic services. In other words, when Spitex cares for, cleans or shops for a person in need. The customer pays for this service unless it is covered by additional insurance, supported by the municipality or covered by additional services.

“Find out the costs of services and what financing options or support are available,” Pfister advises. Depending on the canton and municipality, people in need of care pay a sick contribution of up to 15.35 francs per day in addition to the normal deductibles and exemptions. Initially, the family in question should have been careful with the cost estimate: “14,000 francs for two weeks of care is extremely high,” he says, appealing to the personal liability of those receiving Spitex benefits.

Clear preliminary disclosure is mandatory

When looking for a good Spitex, recommendations from your family doctor or friends are useful, as well as some careful reviews on the Internet. It is equally important to ensure that the Spitex organization offers the specific services needed.

According to Pfister, it’s mostly worth looking for the community in which you live. It is responsible for providing a basic range of outpatient and inpatient long-term care and has an overview of local Spitex services providers.

Anyone pre-selecting must arrange a personal meeting or consultation with the relevant Spitex entity. “This way you can ask questions, get to know the staff and get a feel for professionalism and service delivery,” Pfister said.

And of course, it is important to carefully read all contractual terms (notice periods, cost regulations and more) before joining a Spitex organization. If you are in doubt or do not trust, it is better to change the provider!