Medical Association Lower Austria calls for default fees: End with empty waiting rooms!

Medical Association Lower Austria calls for default fees: End with empty waiting rooms!

The Medical Association for Lower Austria has recently spoken out for the introduction of a default fee in order to counteract the problems due to non -observed doctor's appointments. This procedure follows the example of the medical associations in Upper Austria and Styria and was among others by Dr. Eva Maria Hochstöger, a board member of the Medical Association Lower Austria, addressed in a press release. It indicates the scarcity of doctor's appointments and criticizes the negative effects of deadlines on other patients as well as the financial losses that are associated with this for the ordinations (https://www.ots.at/presseaus-sung/ots_20250524_ots0013/aerztinnen-und-aerztammer-noe-appellated reported.

In the discussion about the failure fee, it is pointed out that it can be granted but does not necessarily have to. The prior notice and the appropriateness of the required amount is crucial. An awareness campaign is intended to raise awareness of patients, make their appointments or to cancel them in good time in order to reduce the burden on the hospitals. Dr. Hochstöger has also shared positive experiences with the introduction of the default fee.

regulations and requirements

In order to assert a default fee, certain requirements must be met. According to a judgment of the Federal Court of Justice (BGH) of May 12, 2022, these are among other things: the exclusive appointment for individual patients and a demonstrable damage caused by the non -show. The proof could include that no other patient could be treated due to the unreserved patient. These regulations apply to various specialists, including general practitioners and dentists who do not require transfers, such as anwalt.de reports.

Financial aspects for practices

The failure fee represents a claim for damages and is not a medical service. The amount of the fee is not regulated uniformly and can be calculated according to various methods, for example by remuneration for planned services minus savings expenses or by flat rates based on average income. According to dgpar.de, a good documentation of the treatment planning and the awareness of the patients about reserved times could also be crucial for the success of the failure fee.

Finally, the medical association urgently appeals to the patients to make their appointments or to cancel them in good time in order to optimize the process drains in the practices and to reduce the stress in the health system.