Reduction of the laboratory reimbursement rates
The Swiss Federal Department of Home Affairs (EDI) decided to reduce all the tariffs for laboratory analysis by 10 % as of August 1, 2022
Due to the tariff reduction, savings of CHF 140 million per year are projected
The tariff reduction applies until the EDI has evaluated the economic viability of the tariffs for all laboratory analyses. The evaluation of all tariffs will likely last until 2025. In the meantime, further linear tariff reductions are being evaluated by the EDI
The tariff reduction is justified by the large volume of analyses, the increased automation and the resulting lower unit costs. In addition, a comparison of the tariffs with the neighbouring countries revealed a disproportionality
The reimbursement of vitamin D determinations will be limited
The reimbursement of vitamin D determinations by the compulsory health insurance (OKP) will be limited as of July 1, 2022
Coverage will be restricted to conditions or suspected conditions related to vitamin D deficiency
The reimbursement of the costs of preventive vitamin D analyses by the OKP will thus be excluded more clearly than before
The frequency of analyses as a follow-up will also be restricted
The decision was made based on national and international experience, guidelines and recommendations and in cooperation with the professional societies