Tariff system led to subdued cost growth in the healthcare sector
Published: Friday, Sep 13th 2024, 12:10
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The costs for inpatient psychiatric services have risen more moderately with the introduction of a flat-rate tariff. The slower pace of expenditure did not have a noticeable impact on quality and access to care.
These were the findings of a study conducted by the Swiss Health Observatory (Obsan) to accompany the introduction of the tariff structure for inpatient psychiatry (Tarpsy), as announced by the Federal Council on Friday. The study examined a flat-rate tariff structure introduced in 2018, which regulates and standardizes the remuneration of all inpatient psychiatric services in Switzerland by means of flat rates.
Tarpsy has made it possible to achieve the goal of curbing cost growth in inpatient psychiatry. According to the report, it is not yet clear whether expenditure growth will remain moderate in the future.
Since the introduction of Tarpsy, basic tariffs have tended to fall, the Federal Council continued. The average length of stay has also tended to fall, but the average severity of cases and the number of hospitalizations have increased. This increase can be explained in particular by the destigmatization of mental illnesses.
Tarpsy has had no influence on the quality of care and patient support. However, the new tariff infrastructure has improved the transparency of the services provided.
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