Anna Nergårdh, the government's special investigator, will propose legislative changes affecting how online doctors can charge, according to multiple reports. According to Aftonbladet, Anna Nergårdh described the per-visit model as one that risks giving wrong incentives for healthcare, potentially leading to higher consumption of care and possibly care that is not fully medically justified. She also noted, according to the same source, that the system needs review because there is a risk that the portal paragraph in the Health and Medical Services Act, which says that those with the greatest need for care should be given priority, may not actually be governing. This move comes amid broader scrutiny of digital healthcare funding mechanisms in Sweden.
Lena Hallengren, the Social Democratic Party's group leader in the Riksdag, has called for the removal of the per-visit payment model under the out-of-county compensation system. According to Sveriges Radio Nyheter, Lena Hallengren described the out-of-county fee as something that should be eliminated. Her stance aligns with concerns that the current model, where online doctors can get paid per visit, may be on its way out, as reported by major media outlets. This political pressure adds momentum to the ongoing review, highlighting bipartisan interest in reforming healthcare payment structures.
We think that the out-of-county fee should be removed.
The proposals from Anna Nergårdh are to be presented by June at the latest, according to multiple reports. There is a proposal to change the system with online doctors, which could involve phasing out the current per-visit model in favor of alternative structures. The exact timing within June for the presentation remains unspecified, but the deadline underscores the urgency of addressing these issues. Implementation details, including how any changes would be rolled out, are still under development and will depend on legislative approval and stakeholder consultations.
Key unknowns persist regarding the specific legislative changes Anna Nergårdh will propose, as the full details have not been disclosed. It is unclear how the removal or change of the per-visit model will affect patients' access to online healthcare, with concerns about potential disruptions or improvements in service availability. Alternative payment models being considered for online doctors have not been outlined publicly, leaving stakeholders in suspense about future funding mechanisms. Additionally, the timeline for implementing any changes after the proposals are presented remains undetermined, pending further government action and parliamentary debate.
This is a model that risks giving wrong incentives for health and medical care. There is a risk that it steers towards higher consumption of care and perhaps care that is not fully medically justified.
There is a risk that the portal paragraph in the Health and Medical Services Act, which says that the one who has the greatest need for care should be given priority, that it actually does not become governing.