Dispute over funding

Covid or flu? Doctors insist on free tests!

Some illnesses produce similar symptoms in the early stages. GPs are pushing for "up-to-date diagnostics".

(Bild: Kimeswenger Fritz)

From corona to whooping cough to mycoplasma: More and more patients are crowding into Styrian doctors' surgeries. At the start of the infection season, doctors complain about insufficient diagnostic options. The health insurance company reacts with a huff.

Gudrun Zweiker's waiting room is full on Monday. Most patients answer the question about their symptoms with a cold, sore throat and cough. "Of course, that can be anything," says the general practitioner from Straden in Eastern Styria. "That's why it would be good if the triple test for Covid, RSV and flu were finally used across the board."

There is now a triple test for CoV, influenza and RSV. It costs between €3.90 and €10 in pharmacies, but the health insurance fund does not want to cover the costs for GP practices.

(Bild: Christoph Hartner)

Rapid clarification would be particularly important in order to be able to administer the right medication: "I'm now seeing a lot of Covid cases again," says Zweiker. However, the corresponding medication can only be prescribed if the test is positive - a less than satisfactory situation for doctors and patients alike.

We live in such a highly developed country, we have many good medicines - and then we fail the test. That can't be right.

Gudrun Zweiker, Hausärztin in Straden

Bild: Sissi Furgler

Medical Association President Michael Sacherer is also pushing for "modern infection diagnostics": "In addition to Covid, RSV and influenza, whooping cough, pneumococci, streptococci and mycoplasma also have similar symptoms at an early stage," says the expert. By reacting as quickly as possible, chains of infection "can be broken and vulnerable groups such as infants or the elderly can be treated correctly."

CoV free tests for at-risk patients from today
After lengthy negotiations, the health insurance company and the Medical Association were recently able to agree on at least one thing: From today (October 1), CoV free tests are once again available for high-risk patients.

Josef Harb, Chairman of the Regional Committee of the ÖGK Styria.

(Bild: Jauschowetz Christian/Christian Jauschowetz)

The Styrian ÖGK boss Josef Harb dashes hopes of an expansion when asked by the "Krone" newspaper: "We cannot see the benefit of surface testing. Whether it is a bacterial or viral infection should actually be determined by a doctor." After all, the money would not come from the vault, but from the contributors.