The national psychotherapists’ association Fapsylux has great expectations for the Nomenclature Commission that Minister of Social Security Claude Haagen has summoned. Negotiations with the National Health Fund about the reimbursement of their work have been underway for years without any real progress, a situation that still seems to remain unchanged.
One of the central points of contention is the Fapsylux tariff recommendation of €175 per hour, which they put forward to their members earlier this year. Although the CNS met with psychotherapist representatives to discuss the matter several times, they are unable to find common ground.
CNS president Christian Oberlé explained: “For us it remains clear that we cannot meet Fapsylux at their proposed tariff. They are simply too far away from the normal nomenclature that we also apply to other health care professions.”
According to Catherine Richard, new president of the psychotherapists’ association, the proposed rate is valid because it covers the 50 to 60 minutes spent directly with a patient, as well as the preparation and administrative work in between sessions.
She elaborated that it is simply not possible for psychotherapists to treat eight patients per day or during 40 hours per week, as the CNS estimates. Richard further emphasised that they need to be fully focused while treating a client to process their stories, which cannot be done on eight hours per day.
Demand for psychotherapeutic treatment has increased in post-pandemic times, noted Richard. She acknowledged that it is tragic that some people are unable to afford treatment, but said the association remains unwilling to change its negotiation stance.
The CNS has made a counter proposal of €120 per hour, which psychotherapists deem unrealistic. The only thing both fractions seem to have in common is the desire to find a quick solution.
Oberlé stated: “We want fast progress, but that does not mean we are willing to accept anything in these negotiations. We have a team working all through summer, just like Fapsylux. We continue negotiating and hope to have a convention operational as quickly as possible.”
Richard finally highlighted that there are also remain points of contention other than the tariff, which include the selection of pathologies and age groups eligible for reimbursement.
