The new physiotherapy tariff agreement is undoubtedly the most important event for the Swiss physiotherapy sector in over 25 years. From July 1, 2025, all services covered by accident insurance (AA), military insurance (AM), and disability insurance (AI) will be governed by a new tariff schedule.
This is not a simple update: it is a complete reorganization of the remuneration arrangements, the result of long negotiations that began in 2022 between Physioswiss, H+ Les Hôpitaux de Suisse, and the LAA Medical Tariff Commission (CTM).
In this article, we will explore in depth why this change is happening, what it consists of, who it affects, and above all, how to prepare for it.
Summary
- Why a new physiotherapy tariff agreement?
- A historical look back at 25 years without reform
- Stages and actors in the negotiations
- The major new features introduced
- How does the new pricing work?
- Concrete consequences for physiotherapists
- Concrete consequences for patients
- The role of key partners
- A modern, tailored and fair solution
- Challenges and risks of implementation
- Detailed economic impacts
- Case studies: before/after billing examples
- Future prospects and reforms of the sector
- How firms can best prepare
- Phyzio.ch: the physiotherapy software to support the tariff transition
- Conclusion
- FAQ
Introduction
The new physiotherapy tariff agreement is undoubtedly the most important event for the Swiss physiotherapy sector in over 25 years. From July 1, 2025, all services covered by accident insurance (AA), military insurance (AM), and disability insurance (AI) will be governed by a new tariff schedule.
This is not a simple update: it is a complete reorganization of the remuneration arrangements, the result of long negotiations that began in 2022 between Physioswiss, H+ Les Hôpitaux de Suisse, and the LAA Medical Tariff Commission (CTM).
In this article, we will explore in depth why this change is happening, what it consists of, who it affects, and above all, how to prepare for it.
Why a new physiotherapy tariff agreement?
A system frozen since 1997
Switzerland has a renowned and efficient healthcare system, but the fee schedule for physiotherapists had remained unchanged since 1997. During this time, the medical field has evolved, pathologies have become more complex, and patient expectations have increased. The new physiotherapy fee agreement therefore aims to realign remuneration with current realities.
The main issues
- Promoting specialized care: neurological rehabilitation, post-operative care, palliative care
- Reducing administrative burdens: a simplified pricing structure avoids disputes and double checks.
- Ensuring national fairness: the same price throughout the country
A historical look back at 25 years without reform
The old grid: an outdated model
The initial flat-rate model was based on standardized procedures, without taking into account complex cases or the actual duration of care. As a result:
- Significant income disparities exist between practitioners.
- Frustration among young graduates and specialists
- A feeling of injustice towards complex cases, poorly compensated despite their technical nature
Why did you wait so long?
Tariff reforms require delicate coordination between several partners, each with their own budgetary constraints and priorities. A context of enhanced collaboration was necessary to resolve this situation.
Stages and actors in the negotiations
Since the summer of 2022, three major players have led the discussions:
- Physioswiss : representing physiotherapists, with 12,000 members
- H+ Swiss Hospitals : comprising more than 218 hospitals and clinics
- CTM : representing accident insurance, military insurance and disability insurance
They worked together on:
- The collection of cost and performance data
- The definition of the new tariff positions
- Adjusting the durations and points awarded
The major new features introduced
Hourly pricing and 5-minute increments
The major innovation of the new physiotherapy fee agreement is the shift to remuneration based on the actual time spent with the patient. No more rigid flat rates: now, every 5-minute increment is counted, resulting in more accurate billing.
National uniformity of the tariff point
The tariff point will be set at CHF 1.00, valid throughout Switzerland, both in outpatient and inpatient settings.
New, better-valued services
Certain interventions, previously poorly remunerated, such as in-depth assessments, neurological procedures, or post-traumatic care, are now better taken into account.
How does the new pricing work?
Before the reform
- Standard session: CHF 65 (flat rate)
- Complex session: CHF 65 (flat rate), without consideration of difficulty
After the reform
- Standard session: 30 minutes → 6 segments of 5 minutes → number of points × CHF 1.00
- Complex session: adjustment based on duration and complexity, better valued
Thanks to this logic, remuneration finally reflects the reality of the work done.
Concrete consequences for physiotherapists
- More fair pricing
- Fewer disputes with insurance companies
- A better alignment between effort expended and income received
- An incentive to specialize
Concrete example: a physiotherapist in neurology now earns proportionally more than if he practiced standardized sessions.
Concrete consequences for patients
- More clarity on costs
- Less paperwork and post-billing procedures
- Enhanced access to specialist care
And most importantly: no direct additional costs, since the changes concern the relationships between insurers and service providers.
The role of key partners
- Physioswiss : supports practices, offers training, and facilitates information dissemination
- H+ : ensures the consistent implementation of changes in hospital facilities
- CTM : oversees coordination between the different insurers and ensures compliance with the rules
A modern, tailored and fair solution
All partners welcome a reform that combines modernity, adaptability, and fairness. It integrates the needs of patients, the constraints of practitioners, and the requirements of insurers.
Challenges and risks of implementation
- Adapting billing software
- Training administrative and care teams
- Communicating effectively with patients
- Avoid regional disparities in application
Physioswiss provides a resource center to help each practice get through this phase.
Detailed economic impacts
For law firms:
- An expected increase of 10 to 20% in revenue from complex care
- One-off adaptation costs (new software, training)
- A reduction in disputes and administrative processing times
Regarding insurance:
- Better visibility into actual costs
- A uniform framework to facilitate budgeting
Case studies: before/after billing examples
Case 1: Patient in post-stroke rehabilitation
- Previously: single flat rate (undervalued)
- After: hourly rate taking into account neurological complexity → +15% remuneration
Case 2: Group session for prevention
- Previously: little or not valued
- Next: new specific tariff item → better profitability
Future prospects and reforms of the sector
The new physiotherapy tariff agreement could pave the way for:
- Better integration of preventive care
- Tele-rehabilitation as a reimbursed practice
- A strategic repositioning of the role of the physiotherapist in Swiss public health
How firms can best prepare
- Update their systems before June 2025
- Attend the webinars offered by Physioswiss
- Review their service catalog to identify new promising niches
- Prepare clear and reassuring communication for the patient.
Phyzio.ch: the physiotherapy software to support the tariff transition
Under the new physiotherapy fee agreement, it is essential for practices to equip themselves with a high-performance digital tool to manage billing, scheduling, and patient records. Phyzio.ch is a Swiss physiotherapy software specifically designed to meet the needs of physiotherapy practices.
This software offers:
- Billing in accordance with the new tariff, with precise management of time slots and tariff points.
- A smooth scheduling of appointments thanks to an online calendar and automatic reminders (SMS, email)
- Managing insurance cards via webcam or mobile, for daily time savings
- Secure access to patient records, compliant with Swiss standards
With Phyzio.ch, physiotherapists can approach the 2025 transition with confidence, reducing their administrative burden and focusing on what matters most: patient care and support. To discover the features of the physio software, visit: https://phyzio.ch/fr/logiciel-physio .
Conclusion
The new physiotherapy tariff agreement is more than just a reform: it's a complete overhaul of the remuneration methods, designed to meet the challenges of the 21st century. By rebalancing the relationships between insurers, providers, and patients, it lays the foundation for a fairer, more transparent, and more efficient system.
To make the most of it, every stakeholder must anticipate and organize themselves now. This reform is a unique opportunity to reposition physiotherapy as a key pillar of public health in Switzerland.
FAQ: New physiotherapy tariff agreement
When does the new physiotherapy tariff agreement come into effect?
It applies from July 1, 2025.
Which treatments are involved?
All services reimbursed by AA, AM and AI, both outpatient and inpatient.
Will patients pay more?
No, the changes concern the relationship between insurers and providers, with no direct impact on insured patients.
