Working as a physiotherapist in Switzerland – The complete FAQ

Are you currently working or planning to work as a physiotherapist in Switzerland? You are wondering how to simplify your billing, better understand prescriptions, and learn more about essential equipment? Welcome to this FAQ! We’ve compiled the most frequently asked questions about the profession – with clear answers to support your practice.

 

1. Basics of Physiotherapy in Switzerland

1.1. What is physiotherapy?

Physiotherapy is a discipline aimed at preventing, treating, and rehabilitating issues related to mobility, pain, or motor function in patients. As a physiotherapist, you:

 

• Assess the patient’s condition (clinical assessment, functional examination)
• Create a personalised treatment plan (strengthening exercises, manual therapy, posture work)
• Adapt the treatment as sessions progress based on outcomes and challenges
• Collaborate with other healthcare professionals (e.g. doctors, nurses) to provide holistic care.

 

1.2. What training is required to work in Switzerland?

The most common path is through a University of Applied Sciences (Fachhochschule), leading to a Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy. Admission can be through various routes (e.g. vocational baccalaureate in health/social fields, a higher vocational diploma in health). The programme includes:

 

• Theoretical courses (anatomy, physiology, pathology, etc.)
• Practical internships in hospitals or clinics
• A bachelor’s thesis

 

Tuition fees vary by canton (usually between CHF 500 and CHF 1000 per semester).

More information on education and career prospects is available here: Becoming a physiotherapist in Switzerland: Everything you need to know.

 

2. Tariffs and billing in Swiss physiotherapy

Correct billing is often a challenge in everyday practice. Between KVG (basic insurance), UV (accident), MV (military), IV (disability), and medical prescriptions, it’s easy to lose track. Here are the answers to key questions about billing in Swiss physiotherapy.

 

2.1. How does the tariff system work in Swiss physiotherapy?

The tariff system is based on the Swiss Health Insurance Act (KVG).

Rates are not freely set but are the result of agreements between professional associations (e.g. Physioswiss), insurers (santésuisse, curafutura), and relevant authorities.

Each physiotherapy service is assigned a number of tariff points (e.g. 48 points for a standard session). The final amount is calculated by multiplying the number of points by the canton-specific point value.

You can learn more about the point system, cost neutrality, and applicable agreements in our article on the basics of the tariff system.

 

2.2. What’s the difference between KVG and UV/MV/IV?

 

• KVG: tariff code 312, applies to medically prescribed treatments provided by recognised physiotherapists.
• UV/MV/IV: tariff code 311, applies in cases of accidents, military service, or disability. Conditions are partly similar, but the point value is typically fixed at CHF 1.00. A new tariff structure will apply from 1 July 2025 (including, among others, a minimum session duration).

 

More practical information is available in our article: Tariff Navigator for Physiotherapy.

 

2.3. How long is a physiotherapy prescription valid?

Typically, a prescription is valid for three months from the date of issue. The first session must take place within 5 weeks of the issue date (for KVG coverage).

 

2.4. How should materials be billed?

Under KVG, only materials listed on the MiGeL (List of Aids and Equipment) may be billed. Materials outside of this list are only reimbursed with special approval. Under UV, conditions may differ; the point value is often CHF 1.00.

 

2.5. What are common billing errors?

Frequent mistakes include:

 

• Incomplete prescriptions (missing diagnosis or unclear information)
• Billing for code 7311 (complex session) without medical justification
• Exceeding the 5-week limit for the first session
• Billing for travel not covered
• Billing for materials not listed on MiGeL

 

2.6. What to do in case of a dispute with a health insurer?

If there are issues or refusals (e.g. a complex session not accepted):

 

• Contact the insurer for clarification
• Consult resources like “Tarife richtig anwenden” by Physioswiss,
• Involve the joint trust commission (PVK) of Physioswiss and tarifsuisse for mediation.

 

2.7. What if there’s no prescription or two prescriptions for the same condition?

 

• Without a prescription: Basic insurance (KVG) does not cover costs. Comfort treatments can be offered but are to be paid for privately.
• Two prescriptions: Check whether they refer to the same condition. If they overlap, it’s best to contact the insurer for clarification to avoid a reimbursement refusal.

 

3. Practice Management: Equipment and Digital Tools

3.1. What basic equipment is essential in physiotherapy?

For a range of treatments (post-op rehab, posture correction, sports injuries), the following are important:

 

• Adjustable treatment table
• Resistance bands, dumbbells, and exercise balls
• Balance equipment (cushions, wobble boards)
• Foam rollers for muscle relaxation.

 

More info in our article: Essential equipment for a well-equipped physiotherapy practice.

 

3.2. Is it worth investing in specialised equipment?

Depending on your specialisation (e.g. neurology, paediatrics, elite sports), it may make sense to invest in tools like TENS devices, ultrasound, or shockwave therapy. Consider usefulness, space, and costs.

Second-hand equipment can be a good alternative but must meet current safety and hygiene standards.

 

3.3. Which digital tools support physiotherapists?

Administrative tasks can be time-consuming. Digital tools can help with:

 

• Automatic tariff updates
• Scheduling
• Online appointment booking (like OneDoc)
• Managing prescriptions and reminders

 

4. Tips for growing your practice

4.1. How can I attract more patients?

• Local visibility: list your practice on directories (e.g. OneDoc) and Google Maps
• Interprofessional collaboration with doctors, hospitals, and other specialists
• Offer 24/7 online appointment booking

 

4.2. How do I stay up to date on tariff and regulatory changes?

 

• Subscribe to Physioswiss newsletters like “Good to Know”
• Regularly read specialised blogs like the OneDoc Blog
• Attend continuing education or professional seminars

 

For more in-depth info on tariffs, material billing, or practice equipment, we recommend our additional articles. You’ll save time and focus on what truly matters: your patients!