World Hospitals and Health Services - International Hospital ...

COUNTRY PROFILE: FRANCE
professionals: the interface between hospital care and
ambulatory care on the one hand and between healthcare
and social care on the other hand, is also often a problem.
The implementation of the 2004 social security reform
began in 2005 with the introduction of several measures.
➜ Patients have to designate a GP through whom
treatment will be managed. The GP will decide on
referrals to specialists etc. Patients wishing to consult
specialists directly will still be able to do so but it will
cost more.
➜ The cost of a consultation remains at €20 but
reimbursement by social security is reduced from €14
to €13 (the rest can still be covered by complementary
insurance).
➜ A Higher Health Authority was created at the
beginning of 2005. It constitutes a major element of
the new organization of the French medical landscape;
it is an independent public organization in scientific
matters. Created within the framework of the law of
August 13th, 2004 concerning sickness insurance, the
Higher Health Authority is in charge of the evaluation
of the medical utility of medical acts and services
reimbursed by the sickness insurance, the
accreditation of the hospitals, the promotion of good
practices and good use of care beyond health
professionals and public. The Higher Health Authority
takes over the missions of the National Agency of
Accreditation and Evaluation in health (Anaes), those
of the Commission of Transparency and of the
Commission of Evaluation of Products and Services. ❑