Private diagnostic centers in Greece will go back in operation as of Thursday, June 13th 2019, however with a ‘punishment’ for insured patients. They will have to pay 85% of the bill from their own pocket and then claim refund by the National Health Care Insurance Fund EOPYY. Under the law, patients pay just 15% self-participation for laboratory tests, scans and other tests conducted at the private diagnostic centers.
After a marathon meeting at the offices of the Medical Association of Athens, the diagnostic centers decided to end the indefinite strike, but the mobilizations would continue in another form.
According to the decision by the Diagnostic Centers Coordinating Body on Wednesday, diagnostic centers open again their doors to the public on Thursday.
Patients will have to pay 85% of the total price from their own pocket and then clam refund money form the EOPYY with the center’s receipt.
As a “good will gesture” he centers will not charge patients with the 15% self-participation.
Exempted from the 85% payment are chronic patients, those suffering from acute health conditions like heart issues and other acute conditions as well as cancer patients. these categories of patients will not pay any money provided their doctor refers them as cases that need immediate diagnosis.
Another decision is reportedly expected by the Coordinating Body next week.
The diagnostic centers and for some reason also the Medical Association of Athens are in a row with EOPYY demanding the cancellation of the so-called clawback.
Private diagnostic centers serve some 95% of the EOPYY insured due to long waiting lists at public health care facilities.
As always it is the public and in such case the weak and vulnerable who have to pay the price.