As a physiotherapist practicing in Switzerland, understanding the tariff system is essential to manage your practice efficiently and in compliance with regulations. From setting prices to tariff agreements, the complex concept of tariff points, and cost neutrality \u2013 there are many details to grasp. In this article, you\u2019ll discover the key foundations to master these important aspects of your profession quickly and confidently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The pricing of physiotherapy services in Switzerland is governed by the Swiss Federal Law on Compulsory Health Care (KVG). It\u2019s important to clearly understand the mechanisms that determine how your services are reimbursed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to Article 43 of the KVG, you cannot freely set the prices for your services. They are defined through tariff agreements negotiated between professional associations such as Physioswiss, health insurers (e.g., sant\u00e9suisse and curafutura), and cantonal or federal authorities depending on the case.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A tariff point is the basic unit used to calculate the cost of a service. These points standardize how services are valued. Each physiotherapy service is assigned a specific number of tariff points.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For example, a general individual physiotherapy session corresponds to 48 points, while a complex session may reach 77 points.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
These points are then multiplied by the \u201ctariff point value,\u201d which is defined in the applicable tariff agreement, to calculate the final price of the treatment. This value may vary depending on the canton.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For instance, for an individual session with 48 tariff points and a point value of CHF 1.11 (such as in Geneva):<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 48 points x CHF 1.11 = CHF 53.28 per session<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n To learn more about tariff codes, check out our article on the\u00a0tariff browser in physiotherapy for easy application of KVG rates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is a term often associated with tariff discussions in physiotherapy. The principle of cost neutrality (Article 59c of the Ordinance on Health Insurance \u2013 KVV) states that when a new tariff structure is introduced or revised, the total reimbursed cost of treatments must not increase.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In other words, if the tariff point value rises for some services, it must decrease proportionally for others \u2013 unless newly approved services are introduced and validated by the ELGK.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The tariff structure defines which services are reimbursed and how they are applied in practice. Here\u2019s what you should know.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The tariff structure is a framework that lists and describes all reimbursable physiotherapy services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This includes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n This structure ensures consistency and transparency in service billing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The specific services covered by basic health insurance are defined in the Health Insurance Benefits Ordinance (KLV\/HIBO).<\/p>\n\n\n\n As you\u2019ll see in our article about understanding and applying tariffs in physiotherapy, many factors influence proper billing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n That\u2019s why we recommend using medical software to support this process. Moreover, with the new agreement for UVG\/MV\/IV (accident, military, disability insurance) taking effect on July 1, 2025, make sure your software is up to date.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Understanding Switzerland\u2019s tariff system is essential to ensure the efficient and compliant operation of your physiotherapy practice. By knowing how tariffs are set, how tariff points work, and how the structure is organized, you\u2019ll be able to bill your services correctly.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" As a physiotherapist practicing in Switzerland, understanding the tariff system is essential […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":14871,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[115],"tags":[269,379],"class_list":["post-14875","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-physiotherapists","tag-billing","tag-physio-tariff"],"yoast_head":"\nWhat does cost neutrality in physiotherapy mean?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Structure and components of the physiotherapy tariff system in Switzerland<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What is the tariff structure and what is its purpose?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Why should you use a software to manage tariffs?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
You\u2019re now ready to master the physiotherapy tariff system<\/h2>\n\n\n\n