Health-Finance regulations discussed at Health Policy Workshop

Organized by Istanbul Medipol University’s Research Center for Healthcare Systems and Policies (SASPAM) at the South Campus, the meeting focused on the potential financial impact of current legislation on the Turkish healthcare system. Dr. Aliye Aslı Sonsuz from the Department of Health Management of the School of Health Sciences at Istanbul Medipol University presented and evaluated the amendments to the Social Insurance and General Health Insurance Law that came into effect on January 15 and the implementing circular that was issued on January 25. The Family Medicine Contract and Payment Regulation published on October 30 and the new regulations published on February 23 were also discussed. Dr. Sonsuz provided comprehensive information on the impact of these regulations on the healthcare system and their financial implications. Dr. Sonsuz provided comprehensive information on the impact of these regulations on the healthcare system and their financial implications.

DR. SONSUZ: THE INCREASE IN THE PARTICIPATION RATE MAY AFFECT THE REVENUES OF THE SOCIAL INSURANCE AND THE GENERAL HEALTH INSURANCE  
Dr. Sonsuz, who emphasized the impact of the increase in copayments on the health economy, said: “The copayment for outpatient medical and dental examinations has been increased from TL 2 to TL 20. Although this figure may seem low at first glance, in the long run it can make a significant difference in terms of the Social Insurance and General Health Insurance revenues. However, such changes can be met with a reaction from the public.” Dr. Sonsuz also mentioned the financial impact of the new regulations on applications to secondary and tertiary health care institutions.

PERFORMANCE-BASED INCENTIVE SYSTEM IS COMING TO FAMILY PHYSICIANS 
Incentive models for family physician practices were also discussed at the meeting. Dr. Sonsuz said: “With the new regulations, a performance-based incentive system for family physicians has been introduced. For instance, if the rate of a family physician’s registered patients applying for higher levels decreases, the physician will be able to receive incentives.” Citing the example of the healthcare system in Japan, Dr. Sonsuz said: “In Japan, patients are required to pay an extra fee when they apply directly to higher levels. In this way, patients can be encouraged to use their family physicians more effectively.”

At the end of the presentation, Dr. Sonsuz listed policy recommendations that could be made for the sustainability of the healthcare system, stating that incentives for family physicians should be increased, copayments should be applied in a balanced manner, and healthcare expenditures should be managed more efficiently.