Brussels, 06/07/2015 (Agence Europe) - Transposition of the cross-border healthcare directive is still proving problematic for a number of member states. And few are those who have been able to take advantage of the directive's provisions to be able to be treated abroad.
That was the assessment delivered by European Health Commissioner Vytenis Andriukaitis at the conference in Brussels on 2 July organised by the European Patients' Forum (EPF). While “a number of member states appear to have done a good job of transposition … there are others where we have a number of serious concerns”, said the commissioner.
The cross-border healthcare directive offers health professionals a way to improve cooperation between member states and sets out the initiatives to be taken in order to facilitate access to care in EU countries other than the one in which the patient is resident. It was adopted on 9 March 2011 and the member states had 30 months to incorporate into national law.
Some countries far have exceeded the deadline set and problems have also come to light during transposition, regretted Andriukaitis. Some, for example, have very elaborate systems of prior authorisation, others seem to use lower reimbursement tariffs than they should and some have very difficult administrative requirements, all of which can act as a deterrent to patients.
The Commission will examine the transposition problems, the commissioner stated. The member states will be asked to submit data on the use of the directive to inform the report the Commission will publish shortly.
The commissioner regretted the small number of patients who have used the directive to get treatment abroad. He highlighted the considerable differences in the quality of the information given by the national contact points. He would like to see the member states working more together. The challenge now is “to find a way to deliver real, tangible benefits to patients through greater co-operation and collaboration, without undermining the fundamental responsibilities of national authorities”, the commissioner said. (Isabelle Lamberty)