Study reveals longer surgical wait times for public insurance patients in Upper Austria

A study by the Institute for Advanced Studies (IHS), commissioned by the Chamber of Labour Upper Austria, reveals significant disparities in surgical waiting times between public and private patients. On average, patients with public insurance waited 20 weeks for surgery, while those with private supplemental insurance waited only 8 weeks.

The study also noted allegations of improper practices, with approximately one in ten respondents reporting offers to shorten waiting times through alternative means, including visiting private doctors or, in some instances, providing cash payments to move up the queue.

Johannes Steinhart, President of the Chamber of Physicians, has contested the study's findings and validity. He criticized the implication that the medical profession is corrupt, arguing that the study's methodology is flawed and cannot be generalized to the entire country. Meanwhile, health officials from KAGes have stated they maintain a ‘zero-tolerance principle’ regarding any practices involving payments for prioritized medical care.