From the first of April, a phone call or chat message can cost almost as much as a doctor’s visit for the residents of Västra Götaland.
Now the medical association fears a protest storm.
– I expect lots of angry phone calls, says district doctor Jakob Nyhlén.
It is with reference to the tough economic situation that regional politicians hammered through an increase in patient fees.
On April 1, the fee for a visit to the emergency room will increase from SEK 300 to SEK 400, and for an examination at the health center from SEK 100 to SEK 200. But it’s the brand new charge on phone or chat communication that has doctors furious. If it is considered to constitute “qualified care”, even a short message on these lines of communication can cost 80 percent of a doctor’s visit.
– It is very gratifying that the region sees that what we do for these contact routes takes a lot of work time, it must cost money. But it will be a very difficult line to draw, especially for the resident. When they have to decide whether this is a complicated case or not before they have even contacted the care, says Jakob Nyhlén, who is also chairman of the primary care section of the West Medical Association.
– For many of my patients, the economy is very bad. And to pay 160 kroner for what you perceive as having chatted with the doctor for a few minutes, I don’t think you really understand the value in that.
The expectation: Angry patients
Variants of the new fee for “digital care contacts” already exist in several other regions. But since it is new in Västra Götaland, the medical association fears that the health centers will make different interpretations of what should actually be charged. Responsible politicians do not see any such risk.
– There are criteria for what is qualified healthcare. And I think it’s about having clear information out to the patients about the fees we have. If you receive care and treatment, regardless of whether it is a chat, digital or physical visit, it costs a patient fee, says Janette Olsson (S), chairperson of the strategic health care board in Västra Götaland.
Jakob Nyhlén does not think that the residents have yet understood.
– I expect we will get lots of angry phone calls when the invoices start being sent out. Not that it affects me personally, but I will also get some scoldings at doctor visits – “How can you charge for this?”.