Andorra Physiotherapy Patients Face Up to 4-Month Waits Amid Fee Disputes

Patients in Andorra face waits of up to four months for physiotherapy appointments, with even urgent cases delayed by as long as six weeks, according to Theo Rogue, president of the College of Physiotherapists.

Rogue highlighted the strain on the sector during a recent discussion, noting that non-priority cases can linger for four months while pressing needs take up to a month and a half. The college is collaborating with the Health Ministry to overhaul fees set by the CASS public health service, aiming for a permanent fix that balances quality care with economic viability for practitioners.

Health Minister Helena Mas described fee increases as a complex issue requiring case-by-case review, given the varied demands of patients and treatments. Rogue agreed, stating that physiotherapy's evolution demands updates and that solutions must go beyond temporary patches.

Low reimbursement rates for CASS-contracted sessions are driving some physiotherapists to drop out of the agreement, though such exits remain limited so far. The college lacks precise data on departures, as professionals leaving CASS may simply go private or emigrate. However, it has recorded a 2% drop in billable procedures, an early warning sign. "These figures give us an initial measure of the problem, but we fear that if the trend worsens, the sector's challenges could intensify," Rogue said.

Rising inquiries from practitioners considering opting out add further pressure, potentially compromising service quality. Current agreements mandate at least 15 minutes per manual therapy session, but many extend to 30 minutes for complex cases. Administrative tasks after each patient—such as reports and documentation—further cut into time, limiting daily patient loads and profitability.

Some therapists are contemplating shorter sessions to cope, a step the profession opposes. "We need a solution that balances our economic needs with the quality of care provided," Rogue emphasised, underscoring the priority of proper patient attention alongside sector sustainability.