TARMED

TARMED (Swiss Medical Tariff) is a standardized medical tariff system used in Switzerland for billing medical services provided by physicians and other healthcare professionals to patients with mandatory health insurance (OKP). It defines the fees for various medical procedures, treatments, and consultations.

TARMED aims to provide transparency and predictability in healthcare billing by establishing a detailed catalogue of services with corresponding tariff points. These tariff points are then converted into monetary values (Swiss Francs) using a point value, which is negotiated regionally between health insurers and healthcare providers.

The system is complex and has undergone several revisions since its initial introduction. Its complexity often leads to discussions and debates about its fairness, accuracy in reflecting the cost of services, and the potential for unintended consequences, such as incentivizing certain types of treatments over others. The tariff structure covers a wide range of medical disciplines and procedures, aiming to encompass the majority of services provided within the Swiss healthcare system.

One of the core functionalities of TARMED is to ensure that healthcare providers are reimbursed fairly for their services, while also controlling healthcare costs and ensuring affordability for patients. The system is subject to regular reviews and adjustments by governmental bodies and healthcare stakeholders to maintain its relevance and effectiveness. It is a key component of the Swiss healthcare funding model and plays a significant role in the relationship between patients, providers, and insurers.