Physiotherapists call for minimum rate as many leave profession due to low income

The Royal Dutch Society of Physiotherapy (KNGF) has asked the Dutch Healthcare Authority (NZa) to set a minimum rate for their services. According to the association, many physiotherapists are leaving the profession because they cannot make ends meet, the Financieele Dagblad reports.

The NZa has set maximum rates in many healthcare sectors but does not currently have a guideline for physiotherapy. As a result, physiotherapists have to negotiate with health insurers themselves, who want to pay as little as possible for competitive reasons.

Figures from the NZa show that the rate for physiotherapy was 34.30 euros per 30 minutes last year, while the cost price for treatments was already 10 euros higher in 2020.

According to the KNGF, the NZa needs to set a minimum rate to prevent the sector from emptying out and physiotherapy becoming much less accessible. The association suggested basing the minimum rate on what hospitals charge for physiotherapy. Physiotherapists in hospitals earn up to 40 percent more than those working at other practices, the association said.

KNGF chairman Lodi Hennink appealed for urgent action, warning that the time when there were more than enough physiotherapists is over. Last year, around 10 percent of physiotherapists left the profession, and 70 percent were considering doing so due to low salaries, poor employment conditions, and limited career prospects, according to the physiotherapy union FDV.