French general practitioners face increased sick leave oversight

French general practitioners and psychiatrists are facing new administrative challenges regarding sick leave management and medical oversight. The National Health Insurance Fund (CNAM) has announced plans to target approximately 650 doctors for audits in the coming weeks.

Recent regulatory changes have limited initial sick leave periods to 31 days, with extensions capped at 62 days unless a specific derogation is requested from health insurance. This shift is expected to increase the volume of extensions prescribed by general practitioners, particularly when following specialist treatments that require longer recovery periods.

Medical unions, including the Fédération des Médecins de France and CSMF, have expressed concerns that doctors are being held responsible for prolonged sick leaves often caused by socio-medical issues or toxic management within companies rather than purely medical pathologies. They note that after six months of sick leave, 50% of patients face social reintegration difficulties. The unions are advising physicians to seek support from representatives when facing CNAM controls.