Launched late in 2023, Luxembourg's third-party payment system is gradually being rolled out in GP surgeries.

The system, developed by the government over a number of years, and the topic of numerous discussions among doctors, seeks to eradicate advance payments for healthcare costs, as well as reducing post to the National Health Fund (CNS).

Launched late in 2023, it is finally beginning to take off in GP surgeries across the country.

In response to a parliamentary question submitted by Mars Di Bartolomeo (LSAP), the Ministry of Health confirmed that 491 healthcare professionals had switched to the new system as of September, compared to just 94 in January this year.

"At present, we can see the system is a success, and medical software publishers are struggling to keep up with demand for installations in medical practices," minister Martine Deprez said. This conclusion contrasts with the difficulties in launching the third-party system, which was met with plenty of scepticism from doctors, but Deprez said practitioners had expressed satisfaction with the reduction in administrative duties.

Third-party payment rolled out in hospitals

In addition to medical practices, the third-party system will also be rolled out in Luxembourg's hospitals. This has already been the case for the Robert Schuman hospitals, where emergency doctors, radiology and ophthalmology specialists have begun to use the system. The CHL is also expected to gradually launch the system this October.

But it is not just restricted to the capital: the Centre hospitalier du Nord in Ettelbruck is also set to introduce the system, first among emergency doctors, then extending to other departments. Discussions are also underway with specialists at the Emile Mayrisch Hospital in southern Luxembourg.