Epicura Hospital recently announced that 450 doctors will comply with the Inami Convention prices, signaling concerns over recent ministerial reforms aiming to cap hospital fees by 2028.
In a critical move, the Epicura Hospital Center revealed that all 450 of its doctors will respect the pricing stipulated by the Inami Convention, which now blends both in-hospital and extra-hospital activities. However, some specialists expressed partial disappointment regarding the pricing for external medical activities.
François Burhin, the managing director of Epicura Hospital, expressed significant worries about the potential elimination of partial decontentation—a provision integral to Minister Vandenbroucke’s agreement. Burhin fears this could push doctors towards “villa medicine,” negatively impacting the hospital’s ability to retain specialists and ensure access to care.
Pricing Concerns in Epica Hospital
Burhin’s comments emphasized the importance of preserving the current fee structure within hospitals, noting, “Guaranteeing pricing security is part of our DNA and values. It is the cornerstone of our hospital, which has a mutualist tradition.”
Burhin also discussed the planned limitation of fees at the hospital to 125% for 2028, raised during the Meeting of the Standing Concertation Committee. He noted that the 250% cap currently stands, with the average at 117%. Restricting this fee could pose financial difficulties for Epicura’s operations and patient care.
Minister Vandenbroucke’s Role and Implications
Vandenbroucke recently confirmed the intention to cap fee supplements from 2028, causing ripples across the healthcare sector. Burhin cautioned that such a cap could discourage doctors and impose significant financial setbacks on Epicura Hospital.
“This measure will reduce our funding, necessitating public health adjustments to balance the underfunded activities such as emergencies and pediatrics,” he explained.
A Balance Between Hospital and Private Care
François Burhin highlighted the balance aimed between a secure hospital care system and the freedom to practice flexible pricing in private environments. This approach ensures that patients receive stable, accessible care within the hospital while allowing medical professionals to explore higher prices in private settings.
The recent revelation underscores the delicate balance between ensuring patient access to quality healthcare and maintaining financial feasibility within the hospital system.
Stay tuned to archyde.com for more updates on this evolving story and other impactful healthcare news.
