Patients must begin their physiotherapy treatment within 5 weeks of the date the medical prescription is issued. After this period, the prescription is no longer valid (this time limit applies only to the initial prescription).

Each prescription is limited to 9 treatment sessions. If further treatment is required, a new prescription must be issued.

When a patient requires more than 36 physiotherapy sessions within a calendar year, the prescribing physician must submit a justified medical report to the insurer’s medical advisor to ensure continued reimbursement.

Physiotherapy prescribed by a physician is covered by Switzerland’s mandatory health insurance (LAMal) in cases of illness, and by accident insurance (LAA) when the treatment is related to an accident.

Physiotherapy treatments related to maternity, provided between the 13th week of pregnancy and the 8th week after childbirth, are exempt from patient cost-sharing. No deductible or co-payment is charged during this period.

For further information, please consult the following documents:

• Prescription-LAA
• Guide Tarif LAA

The diagnosis must be clearly stated on the prescription (e.g. urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, abdominal and pelvic floor dysfunction, etc.). This information is essential for treatment planning, clinical documentation, and billing.

For straightforward clinical cases, a general diagnosis may be sufficient. However, when a patient presents with multiple diagnoses or complexity factors that may affect treatment, these should be specified on the prescription. A complex treatment code may be billed in the following situations:

• Neurological disorders
• Children up to 6 years of age
• Pulmonary ventilation disorders
• Disorders of the lymphatic system
• Palliative care
• Sensorimotor impairment or cognitive deficits. Cognitive functions relevant to physiotherapy include attention, memory, learning, planning, orientation, and motivation.
• Treatment involving two or more body regions
• Treatment involving two non-adjacent joints (which may be located within the same body region)
• Conditions requiring special assistance (e.g. burns)
• Cases requiring instruction or assistance for nursing staff as part of the treatment

Upon request, the insurer may also authorize the use of billing code 7311 for other clinical indications.

Documenting comorbidities and complexity factors enables physiotherapists to tailor treatment appropriately, particularly with regard to treatment duration, ensuring that care meets both the patient’s needs and the clinical requirements.

Examples of complex medical diagnoses justifying complex physiotherapy management include:

• Urinary incontinence associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Cystocele associated with multiple sclerosis
• Enuresis associated with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

Below is an example of a physiotherapy prescription:

Since 1 January 2024, the purchase of a neuromuscular electrical stimulation device has been reimbursed under the Swiss mandatory health insurance scheme (KVG/LAMal) up to CHF 144 for pain management (TENS) and electrical stimulation treatments, including those for pelvic floor disorders.

A medical prescription is required to obtain reimbursement. The prescription must specify both the purchase of the device and the electrodes.

However, rental of these devices is no longer reimbursed.

The prescription must state: “Purchase of a transcutaneous and percutaneous neuromuscular electrical stimulation device, including cables.” This prescription may only be issued by a physician who can demonstrate experience in the use of this technology.

Reimbursement is limited to one device every five years (LiMA codes 09.02.01.00.1 and 09.02.01.01.1).

To support Evidence-Based Practice (EBP), we recommend consulting the Cochrane Library, an internationally recognised reference renowned for the methodological quality of its systematic reviews and evidence syntheses. These resources provide valuable support for clinical decision-making and contribute to the continuous improvement of patient care.

The publications of the International Continence Society (ICS) and the International Urogynecological Association (IUGA) are also essential resources in the field of pelvic floor health.

The ICS is dedicated to improving the quality of life of people with urinary, anorectal, and pelvic floor disorders. It promotes research, education, and the development of international terminology, guidelines, and standards in these fields. The IUGA aims to advance education, research, and clinical excellence in the prevention, assessment, and treatment of female pelvic floor disorders.

To keep up to date with the latest scientific evidence, we also recommend consulting peer-reviewed journals such as the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology (AJOG), which regularly publishes clinical guidelines, expert consensus statements, and high-quality research.