INSURANCE REIMBURSEMENT : new regulations and my adaptation
The winds of change are blowing through the fields of complementary medicine in Switzerland, and as a massage therapist, I find myself bracing for yet another gust that sends me back to the school bench!
The Swiss insurance system has decided it’s time for us humble massage therapists to "level up."
Depending on which insurances you subscribe to, they are all cooking their own sauce, you will sooner or later get less / little / no rebate on your massage therapy sessions with therapists who don’t hold Federal Degrees.
E.G with Helsana :
Now, don’t get me wrong—continuing education is a cornerstone of growth, evolution, and professionalism in any field. Who doesn’t love a well-rounded practitioner armed with the latest techniques and knowledge?
However this changes feels like a misplaced priority. We massage enthusiasts when seek massages we aren’t necessarily asking for someone with a background in homeopathy, herbal medicine, or acupuncture. We are asking for someone skilled in ... Massage!
Just thinking of the practitioners and teachers I came across during my journey as a student and massage practitioner .. For the most part they are crafters of Manual Therapy, not jack of all trades.
As a massage therapist, I’m more than willing to sharpen my skills and deepen my expertise. But forcing specialists to meet arbitrary educational thresholds that may not even align with their specific focus feels less like progress and more like a roadblock.
We’re now navigating a system where value is tied not to skill or experience but to titles and bureaucratic classifications. We might end up paying more out of pocket—or worse, missing out on the care we need because our insurance limits are skewed toward a different profession entirely.
It’s worth asking: Is this new regulation truly about improving care?
One thing is clear: as complementary medicine continues to grow in recognition and demand, we need a regulatory approach that balances quality, accessibility, and fairness ;
but right now I just think they missed the mark.
After all, progress shouldn’t come at the cost of practicality—or common sense. Athletes and People from all walk of life come to see me to treat shoulder discomfort, back and neck pain and so forth and they leave without ; that's what matters to me.
Well I leave you guys with my take, in the mean time check with your insurer what's their new policies, give them my name and therapist number : Raphael Zuckmeyer , Y677563, I'm recognized in massage classic, reflexology and manual lymphatic drainage.
Reach out if you need help.
Thank you for your trust over the years and hope to see you soon in 2025, to keep myself adaptive and competitive through these change I lower my prices and offer packages of sessions at even better price. Invest in your health !
For now, I’ll dutifully return to my studies, armed with my textbooks, enthusiasm and patience!
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