As the country's first general practitioners begin integrating Immediate Direct Payment (PID), dentists and specialist physicians are expected to follow next year, for those who wish to do so...

On December 12, 2023, at 5:12 PM, Patrick Jacquemot published an update on the deployment of Immediate Direct Payment (PID) in Luxembourg. According to the then Minister of Social Security, Claude Haagen, the deployment was "on the verge of becoming a reality." Martine Deprez (DP), his successor, has since confirmed that already about fifteen physicians in Luxembourg have adopted this innovative service.

Admittedly, this represents only 3% of the 525 active general practitioners in Luxembourg, some critics will point out. However, supporters applaud this system that reduces the "out-of-pocket" costs for patients during consultations or treatments. This system allows individuals to pay only the portion not covered by health insurance, thereby easing their medical expenses. This approach is similar to the one already in place in pharmacies.

While some applaud this initiative, there is still a long way to go before all general practitioners adopt this service. According to the plans, "by the first quarter of 2024," PID should be extended to dental offices and all specialist physicians. The minister has confirmed this ambitious timeline.

However, this measure has not been without controversy, especially among healthcare professionals. The Association of Physicians and Dentists (AMMD) has expressed doubts about the reliability of this rapid digitalization. Alain Schmit, president of the AMMD, raised potential concerns about the protection of data transmitted via PID, including medical acts and services provided. He emphasized that "what we send to the CNS is not neutral, if only the fee statements." The future will reveal whether these concerns have been addressed.

This discontent even led AMMD representatives to leave the Management Board of the eHealth Agency, responsible for developing PID and the Shared Medical Record. The Minister of Health and Social Security also spoke out to dispel false information that physicians equipped with PID would receive a financial incentive. Although 625 euros are paid for each PID implemented, this amount actually goes to the software publishers.

In conclusion, the digitalization of payments in the healthcare sector in Luxembourg is a controversial progress. While the benefits for patients are evident, the concerns of healthcare professionals persist. The path to widespread adoption of PID by all practitioners still appears to be fraught with obstacles.