Poland's NFZ implements major healthcare and diagnostic funding changes

Poland's National Health Fund (NFZ) is implementing several significant changes to healthcare financing and patient services. The NFZ has abolished degressive rates for four key oncological diagnostic tests—MRI, CT scans, gastroscopy, and colonoscopy—ensuring full funding for both active treatment and follow-up care. Additionally, a new lung cancer screening program using low-dose CT scans will be available starting October for high-risk smokers aged 55–74.

In other developments, the Medical Events Compensation Fund has paid out 64.5 million PLN in compensations to over 1,100 claimants since its inception in September 2023. Meanwhile, the NFZ is changing how it funds Emergency Departments (SOR), moving from a flat rate to a model based on the number of patients brought in by emergency medical teams, a move criticized by hospital directors for potential financial losses.

Controversy remains regarding a hospital in Aleksandrów Kujawski, which was fined 134,000 PLN by the NFZ after performing a procedure for the son of Senator Tomasz Lenz outside of official queues and without proper documentation. The hospital has paid half the fine and intends to seek reimbursement from the doctors involved. This incident also led to the Senator's expulsion from the Civic Coalition (KO).

Furthermore, the National Medical Council has criticized a new NFZ proposal regarding pediatric dental care, citing legislative errors and insufficient consultation periods.