Currently approximately 4% people have travel to other states for getting treatment within European state, but these numbers are likely to change with upcoming cross border mobility law. However some experts said today that European countries might put some tight restriction to control such moments
According to them implementing cross border healthcare mobility is certainly a good options for consumers (patients) as they will have access to better facilities within member countries but it may not be good for every country.
Some countries rejected the proposal (cross border healthcare directive), like Austria. According to them it requires more work and information before implementation, some were against of it but still voted for it considering patinet benefits.
An interesting fact was revealed by Dr Uwe that currently hospital in Germany, specially in Munich can only handle 2-3% international patients, which means all European hospitals are already flooded with patient, do not forget baby boomer factor, so if this law comes to action, country’s which offer better healthcare services might get more patient which is a good news for medical travel but certainly question comes out as how such country which already has volume can handle new stream of patients.
Another major concern was that how member country will set prices, there is great variation in existing price structure, which differ not only from country to country but also within the country. Some countries have decentralized healthcare system like Italy. Some countries have no national health care system (though they have funds) like Hungary.
So there are more questions than answers and more doubt than solution on this new law. Many European countries were clearly debating on whether it is going to be good news or bad news for them.
So question remain unanswered, Cross Border Healthcare Mobility in Europe – Is it a challenge or opportunity?
Updates from European Medical Travel Conference 2011.