The “Volume Report” published today by Helsana elucidates the development of medical treatments. In Switzerland, increasing numbers of patients make use of medical treatments. As a result there is an increased need for coordination. General practitioners have less and less time to perform this role. The report finds great potential to meet these coordination needs in other health occupations.
11.09.2019
In its latest report, Helsana investigated which medical treatments covered by basic insurance have risen steeply in the last five years. The analyses show that patients are increasingly treated by specialists and in an outpatient setting at hospitals (+ 18 percent). The number of emergency treatments in the hospitals also increased significantly - by 40 percent. Imaging techniques such as X-ray or ultrasound and lab analyses are now used more than ever. The duration and frequency of physician consultations have increased considerably in all age groups and cantons in the last five years. In light of the increase in consultations with various service providers and the rise in need for treatment, the coordination of medical services deserves a key role. General practitioners have less and less time to devote to this coordination.
Helsana sees great potential for action in the coordination of medical services. It must be determined whether the respective competencies can be carried over to other services providers such as e.g. pharmacies, or whether new occupational groups covered by basic insurance must engage in order to manage this. The exclusivity of the monopoly of the physicians will not stand.
This volume report is an expression of Helsana’s commitment. Helsana would like to contribute to increase transparency in health care and to initiate a fact-based discussion.
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