Billing for teleconsultations in switzerland – What you need to know

Telemedicine allows for flexible and remote patient care in Switzerland. While it offers many advantages, it also raises questions. When is it appropriate to offer teleconsultations to patients? What is the legal framework governing teleconsultations? And how does the billing process work for remote consultations? This article will take a closer look at the latter point.

What tariffs apply to teleconsultations?

One of the most common questions from doctors who want to offer teleconsultations is how they are reimbursed and billed. In Switzerland, there is currently no specific billing code for video consultations. Instead, they must be billed under existing tariff systems, which vary depending on the profession:

• Tarmed (for doctors): Standardized billing for services covered by mandatory health insurance. As of January 1, 2026, Tarmed will be replaced by Tardoc, which aims to simplify the billing of medical services.
• Tarif 590 (for therapists): Applies to complementary medical treatments.

As telemedicine becomes increasingly relevant in everyday practice, billing systems are expected to evolve in the coming years to better accommodate this trend.

How can doctors and therapists bill for teleconsultations?

1. Billing under Tarmed (for doctors)

Doctors offering video consultations can currently bill their services using existing tariff codes for telephone consultations and medical advice. The relevant billing positions include:

• 00.0110 – Telephone consultation (first 5 minutes)
• 00.0120 – Each additional 5-minute increment
• 00.2560 – Emergency consultation outside of regular office hours

Many doctors currently record a video consultation as a “telephone consultation with video support”, due to the lack of a dedicated tariff code for telemedicine. This practice is generally accepted by insurers, but it is advisable to check with insurers or professional associations to clarify the exact billing conditions.

With the introduction of the Tardoc system on January 1, 2026, more concrete billing codes for telemedicine are expected. However, as of now, these are still in development.

2. Billing under Tarif 590 (for therapists)

Therapists who bill under Tarif 590 can also integrate teleconsultations into their practice. However, certain conditions must be met:

• The consultation must be thoroughly documented.
• Billing follows the same rules as an in-person treatment session.
• Insurance covers the costs only if the treatment follows a recognized method.

It is essential for therapists to check with insurance providers about the specific conditions under which teleconsultations are covered.

Financial benefits of teleconsultation

Video consultations provide several financial advantages for medical practices. Cost savings result from the reduced use of office space and the elimination of travel expenses for both doctors and patients. Additionally, teleconsultations improve efficiency, as more appointments can be scheduled per day, and short-notice time slots can be filled more easily.

At the same time, digital consultation options help attract new patients who prefer the convenience of an online appointment, whether for comfort or due to geographic distance. Telemedicine not only enhances patient care but also contributes to the economic optimization of medical practices.

Future developments in billing systems

The digitalization of healthcare is progressing rapidly, increasing the need for clear and standardized billing models for telemedicine services. For now, existing tariff models must still be used, but it is likely that specific billing codes for teleconsultations will be introduced in the coming years.

Doctors and therapists should stay informed about billing developments to ensure they continue to operate efficiently and in compliance with regulations. As soon as there are significant updates on teleconsultation billing, you will find all the relevant information on our blog.