TARDOC 2026: Everything you need to know about the changes

Starting in January 2026, the TARMED system will be replaced by TARDOC, the new Swiss medical tariff. This major reform aims to address recurring criticisms of TARMED’s complexity and outdated structure. It also seeks to establish a more transparent and fair tariff framework that aligns with the current economic realities of the medical sector. Find out what this means for you in this article.

Why is TARDOC replacing TARMED?

Introduced in 2004, TARMED is no longer suited to the medical and technological advancements of recent years. Numerous criticisms regarding its lack of flexibility and its misalignment with the current economic realities of medical practices (Source: FMH, 2023) have led to a reassessment of the system.

For instance, teleconsultation is currently billed as a simple phone consultation, which does not accurately reflect the care provided. TARDOC has therefore been designed to better assess medical services, reduce disparities between specialties, and enable clearer and more transparent financial management.

What are the implementation steps for TARDOC? — rollout timeline

TARDOC has already been approved, and here’s what you can expect as a healthcare professional in the coming months:

March to September 2025: Comprehensive training period for medical and administrative staff, as well as the adaptation of IT systems in medical practices and hospitals.
October to December 2025: Pilot phase and technical testing in volunteer practices, allowing potential issues to be identified and adjustments to be made.
January 2026: Official nationwide implementation of TARDOC across Switzerland (Source: OFSP, 2024).

What are the main changes with TARDOC? Which specialties are most affected?

Some specialties will be particularly impacted, including:

General medicine: Improved recognition of long consultations, which will be especially beneficial for patients with chronic or complex conditions requiring thorough follow-ups.
Radiology: Significant tariff modifications for certain advanced technical examinations (MRI, CT scans, interventional imaging). Adjustments will help better reflect the actual costs associated with modern medical technologies.
Surgery: Important tariff adjustments, particularly for complex or innovative surgical procedures. Some common interventions, such as in orthopedics, may see a reduction in rates, while certain specialized procedures could receive more appropriate valuation.

TARDOC 2026: What are the concrete impacts on medical practices in Switzerland?

The transition to TARDOC will require specific actions from medical practices, including:

Software adaptation: Updating or changing the billing system to efficiently integrate the new TARDOC codes and tariffs.
Financial assessment of the transition from TARMED to TARDOC
Staff training: Medical and administrative teams will need detailed training on the new codes and processes to ensure a smooth transition.
Proactive patient communication: It will be essential to inform patients in advance about the expected tariff changes.

We encourage you taking these steps early on will help ensure a seamless transition to TARDOC, avoiding disruptions or operational inefficiencies.