Slovakia Tests New Medical Procedures List to Improve Outpatient Care

Slovakia Tests New Medical Procedures List to Improve Outpatient Care

The Health Ministry is continuing tests of a new list of medical procedures, replacing a 30-year-old catalogue that doctors say undervalues their work. In April, a second pilot phase will begin, expanding the trial to 15 additional outpatient specialties including cardiology and urology.

The ministry says the goal is to verify time demands and create a more transparent and predictable funding system for outpatient care. Doctors argue current payments are too low to cover real operating costs, forcing clinics to seek alternative income. Patient representatives warn that this leads to additional fees and reduces access to care.

The ministry believes the reform could also shorten waiting times and make outpatient medicine more attractive to young doctors. The new system is planned to be fully introduced in April 2027.

Source: STVR

Patrícia Polakovičová, Photo: TASR

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