Austrian Medical Chamber Unveils Ten-Point Plan for ÖGK Reform

In response to the ongoing financial challenges faced by the ÖGK (Austrian Health Insurance Fund), the Austrian Medical Chamber has put forth a comprehensive ten-point plan aimed at reforming the organization. The plan emphasizes the need to leverage potential synergies from the recent merger of health funds rather than resorting to cuts in medical services.

Concerns regarding the ÖGK's financial stability have escalated, with alarming deficit projections ranging from 800 million to over a billion euros. The President of the Austrian Medical Chamber expressed that the health of patients is at stake, stating that the projections highlight an urgent need for action. Key factors contributing to the ÖGK's fiscal difficulties have been identified, including economic downturns, rising unemployment, and demographic shifts. However, the President criticized the ÖGK for failing to address internal structural issues and unrealized synergies resulting from the merger.

Instead of seeking additional contributions from healthcare providers, the President argued that medical professionals are already making significant sacrifices to maintain patient care amidst a continuously diminishing healthcare system. The current structure is deemed inadequate for serving Austria's population of over nine million, as cost-cutting measures have consistently reduced the quality of services provided.

The proposed idea of a solidarity contribution has been labeled as counterproductive, potentially discouraging new physicians from entering the public healthcare system and leading to an exodus of current practitioners. Notably, a significant portion of the current healthcare workforce is approaching retirement age, further exacerbating concerns about the sustainability of the system.

The Austrian Medical Chamber insists that the focus should remain on enhancing medical services rather than cutting them, as these services account for only a fraction of the ÖGK's overall budget. In 2023, medical expenditures represented approximately 15% of total expenses, which also included reimbursements for COVID-related services and other government-funded initiatives.

To address these issues, the chamber has outlined various strategies to restore the ÖGK's financial health without burdening healthcare providers and patients. The management's failures should not translate into reduced services for the public. Contrary to the ÖGK leadership's claims, Austria is not the only country providing comprehensive access to medical advancements at no additional cost to patients.

The ten-point proposal includes critical initiatives such as:

• Appointment of an external crisis manager to oversee financial recovery and develop actionable strategies.
• Creation of a real estate strategy to optimize resource use as recommended by the Court of Auditors.
• Review and potential closure of underperforming ÖGK facilities that do not meet efficiency standards.
• Halting the establishment of new outpatient clinics until the financial discrepancies are resolved.
• Transparent recruitment processes for top-level management positions.
• Transfer of ÖGK rehabilitation facilities to the Pension Insurance Authority to eliminate redundancies.
• Consolidation of IT services across various healthcare organizations to enhance efficiency.
• Strengthening oversight to allow for early identification of potential mismanagement.
• Comprehensive financial review across all insurance providers for coordinated procurement and shared IT systems.
• Rethinking financing strategies, potentially involving temporary government funding through adjusted contribution rates.

This strategic approach aims to ensure the ÖGK can effectively serve its members without compromising the quality of care available to patients.