French Healthcare: New Tariffs for Doctors and Specialists Take Effect
Starting this Sunday, 22 December, a new medical agreement between the French national health insurance (Assurance Maladie) and independent doctors‘ unions has led to an increase in healthcare tariffs. Here are the key changes you need to know:
General Practitioners (GPs) and Pediatricians
The standard consultation fee for GPs will rise to €30, up from €26.50, with consultations for children under six remaining at €35. Mandatory consultations with certificates (on the 8th day, 9th or 10th month, 24th or 25th month) will increase to €54, rising further to €60 by July 2025.
For patients over 80 years old, a new long consultation fee of €60 will be introduced in 2026 for specific situations: hospital discharge, weaning off medication, or medical and social referrals. These consultations will be charged only once per patient per year.
From 2026, GPs will receive a yearly compensation package, adapted to each patient’s profile and needs, with a base allowance of €100 for patients aged 80 and above with long-term diseases, and €55 for patients under 80.
Teleconsultation fees by GPs remain unchanged at €25 compared to the €30 for face-to-face consultations for the next five years.
Specialists
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Pediatricians: Mandatory consultations with certificates will rise to €54 (€60 by July 2025), routine follow-up consultations will increase to €39 (under 2 years) and €35 (2-6 years), and other mandatory checks up to €50 by July 2025.
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Psychiatrists: Routine consultations will cost €55 (€57 by July), and children and adolescent psychiatry consultations will be €67 (rising to €75 by July 2025), aiming to better address mental health needs.
- Gynecologists, Dermatologists, Geriatricians, Endocrinologists, Neurologists, and Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Specialists: Tariffs for various consultations and procedures will see gradual increases over the next two years.
These changes aim to make certain specializations more attractive and improve access to healthcare. However, the Assurance Maladie will also set higher expectations for doctors to limit prescribing medications, tests, and sick leave.
Budget Uncertainty in 2025
While these tariff increases take effect, concerns linger about the Social Security budget for 2025. Medical unions urge guaranteeing the continuation of these planned measures to avoid any freeze on agreements.
