End of reimbursement for antigen tests? “An incomprehensible decision”, according to the USPO

At the start of the year, several viruses, notably influenza and bronchiolitis, are actively spreading in France. These epidemics lead to several hospitalizations in health establishments, which are currently saturated and in which the white plan has been triggered, and increasingly numerous consultations in medical practices, which are struggling to receive all the patients. It is thus a “critical moment”, according to the Union of Community Pharmacists’ Unions (USPO). And yet, she recently received a draft order from the Ministry of Health, which “provides for the removal of almost all measures to curb the epidemic and in particular the reimbursement of antigenic tests”.

Covid-19, flu, bronchiolitis: “The delisting of antigenic tests will deprive patients of an essential tool”

The pharmacy unions believe that this is a “incomprehensible decision and felt like a real stab in the back of health professionals (…) who have always been on the front line”. They expressed their fears in a press release. “The dereimbursement of antigen tests will deprive patients of an essential tool for detecting respiratory infections early and effectively.” As a reminder, the payment of coronavirus samples and tests makes it possible to diagnose influenza and bronchiolitis at a lower cost. “This screening also constitutes an opportunity to raise awareness among patients and those around them of the importance of vaccination, of carrying out barrier gestures, as well as the adoption of preventive practices against secondary infections.”

Maintaining reimbursement for antigen tests is essential for the USPO

Strongly opposed to this decision, the USPO calls on the government to return to this draft decree as quickly as possible and to maintain the reimbursement of antigenic tests, pending the publication of the recommendation of the High Authority of Health (HAS ). “Such a decision goes against the prevention of serious complications, which antigenic tests make it possible to limit in advance,” point out the unions.