In France, more than half of specialist doctors charge excess fees, according to the consumer association UFC Que Choisir.
This situation is denounced because of the soaring cost of care and its consequences on the health of the poorest. In 2021, 52.2% of private specialist doctors applied excess fees, compared to 45.8% the previous year. Gynecology is the specialty that exceeds the most, with 71.4% of practitioners concerned. The average overcharge for gynecologists is 20.60 euros for a basic consultation set at 30 euros. Ophthalmologists (66.7%) and anesthesiologists (58.8%) are also affected by the excesses.
Paris leads in excesses, followed by the rest of Île-de-France, certain southern coastal departments and other large metropolises. Que Choisir highlights territorial inequalities, with consultations that can be up to 2.5 times more expensive from one department to another. Faced with this situation, the association is requesting the closure of access to sector 2 (fee-free) for new arrivals. It recommends that new doctors only have the choice between sector 1 with fees without excess or the Controlled pricing practice option (Optam), which authorizes fee excesses but under more controlled conditions.
 Sophie de Duiéry
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22/02/2024 | 
