BAG wants money back from doctors

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There is tension between doctors and the Federal Public Health Service (BAG). The agency suspects that more than 250 doctors have raised too much federal money in the corona pandemic. Many of those affected are perplexed and angry. You are convinced that you have done nothing wrong. In gratitude for the special effort during the crisis, the doctors accuse the federal government of being placed under general suspicion.

The stumbling block is the corona tests. Depending on the effort involved, the doctors received different amounts for this. If you not only took a smear quickly, but also carried out a short examination or had a conversation with the patient, you could charge 22.50 francs more. The BAG believes that some doctors charge for such consultations without actually having them.

Criminal proceedings are imminent

In early March, all doctors and testing centers who charged more than just the swab for more than 60 percent of tests received a letter from the federal government. He wants “binding confirmation” from the doctors that they billed everything correctly. The information is checked randomly. Those who make false statements are subject to criminal prosecution.

Yvonne Gilli (66), president of the FMH Medical Association, clarifies that it is good that the BAG fulfills its supervisory function. “We don’t want to protect anyone who has deliberately miscalculated.”

FMH responds with task force

But the doctors don’t appreciate the federal government’s action. The accusation of abuse by the BAG is “inappropriate,” says the Lucerne Medical Association. It is absolutely unrealistic that four percent of all doctors who have performed covid tests intentionally overcharged, says Gilli. There are so many who have received mail from the BAG.

From the doctors’ point of view, it is quite possible that in some practices almost two-thirds of the corona tests involved a consultation. After all, they were often high-risk groups, sick and patients with questions who went to their GP instead of a test center if they suspected corona.

The FMH has set up a taskforce. You are in contact with the BAG to clear up open questions and support so many impeccable and insecure doctors, says Gilli. It is not clear what amounts will be recovered by the federal government. The BAG and the medical associations do not want to provide specific information about this after repeated inquiries.

BAG defends itself

The BAG reports that “several service providers” have already agreed to refund the claim: “The BAG has already received an initial refund.” The federal government doesn’t understand the excitement of the medical profession. “The BAG must ensure that no incorrectly billed consultations are billed in connection with the Covid 19 tests. That is what the population expects from the authorities,’ says spokesman Daniel Dauwalder. Therefore, suspicious cases are consistently checked.

The medical associations are now calling on their members not to respond to the letter from the federal government for the time being. It is hoped that a solution will be found within a month. There is also a lot at stake for the BAG. “If we are treated like this, I will probably advise our members not to make an extra effort in the next emergency,” says the president of a cantonal medical association, disappointed.

Source:Blick