Dentists in Switzerland allegedly overbilling their patients by approximately one-third
Rewritten Article
This interesting case involves a retired fella hailing from Winterthur (ZH) who was left flabbergasted after receiving a massive 4,000-franc bill for the treatment of a single tooth - a figure Swiss media reported as shocking.
Curious as to why such a hefty fee, the retiree approached his dentist seeking an explanation. However, the response he received was far from satisfactory, likely leaving him more puzzled than before.
In reaction to the astronomical bill, the man appealed to the cantonal conciliation body, who deemed it legitimate. Left with no choice but to settle the invoice, he still harbored doubts about the validity of the cost.
That was until the media caught wind of the predicament and the Swiss Dental Association gave the matter their attention. They found the bill to be an astounding 800 francs higher than the actual cost, with the dentist overcharging the patient by 14 points (read more on this below).
And if you thought this was an isolated incident, think again. According to dental insurance experts, one-third of all dentists allegedly overcharge their clients - collectively amounting to a whopping 200 million francs per year!
Shedding Light on Dental Prices in Switzerland
While the Federal Office of Public Health sets the prices for traditional healthcare services, dental treatments are not part of this tariff system since they are not covered by obligatory health insurance (KVG / LaMal).
Instead, it's the Swiss Dental Association (SSO) that crafts a price list, covering over 500 dental treatments. The list is based on the number of points assigned to each treatment and the value of each tariff point, as described on their website:
"The dentist's hourly rate takes into account the salaries of the practice team members, premises costs, depreciation, and materials that aren't directly billed to the patient. Only approximately 80 percent of the dentist's total working hours are billed directly to patients, with the remaining 20 percent corresponding to office administration and mandatory continuing education."
The points system can be a bit confusing for the average layperson. To convert points into francs, simply multiply the number of points by the point value. For social security purposes, the point value is equivalent to 1 franc.
The majority of Swiss dentists adhere to these guidelines, but what explains the inflated bill in our retiree's case?
As dental services in Switzerland are privatized, dentists enjoy the freedom to set their own prices. They can opt to charge a lower point value, as long as it doesn't exceed 1.70 francs. Transparency in pricing is essential, according to the SSO, adding that each dental practice must display the point value charged and include it on the fee statement.
Dental Insurance: A Complicated Landscape
Don't be confused if you live in Switzerland - KVG / LaMal doesn't cover dental insurance, but many supplemental plans do. Prices for these plans vary considerably and hinge on the range of services provided by the plan. For adults, they usually fall within the range of 30 to 60 francs per month, while it's much cheaper for children's plans.
However, it's crucial to purchase a dental insurance policy when your pearly whites are in tip-top shape and you haven't undergone extensive treatments. That way, you can enjoy lower premiums. If your teeth are in a sorry state and you already have costly treatments under your belt, you may either face higher premiums or be turned down entirely (unlike the obligatory health insurance, which doesn't exclude anyone).
If you fail to qualify for dental insurance but require treatment, rest easy knowing you can deduct your dental bill from your Swiss taxes.
Learn More: What you should know about dental insurance in Switzerland
Insight: Dental pricing in Switzerland is largely influenced by professional guidelines, insurance coverage, technological advancements, the high cost of living, private practices, and optional treatments. While there's no strict regulation, Swiss patients can manage costs by opting for supplemental insurance or being mindful of treatments covered by their plans.
- The Swiss Dental Association found that the dentist overcharged the retiree by 14 points, amounting to an astounding 800 francs more than the actual cost.
- The retiree was left astonished after receiving a 4,000-franc bill for the treatment of a single tooth, a figure deemed shocking by Swiss media.
- The points system can be confusing for the average layperson, and in the retiree's case, it's unclear why the dentist overcharged him.
- While the Federal Office of Public Health sets the prices for traditional healthcare services, dental treatments are not part of this tariff system, leaving dentists free to set their own prices.
- Dental services in Switzerland are privatized, and dental insurance can be Complex due to varying prices and the requirement to purchase a policy when your teeth are in good condition to qualify for lower premiums.
