French government to restrict aesthetic medicine

The French government plans to issue a decree that will limit doctors' involvement in aesthetic medicine to 30% of their working time, requiring them to spend the rest on their original medical specialty.

Controversy in the medical sector

The proposed rule has caused controversy among medical professionals. Doctors wanting to engage in aesthetic medicine, which is not covered by the national health insurance, must first work for five years in their primary specialty. They also need to undergo additional training, though the details are still being worked out.

Aesthetic medicine’s growing role

Aesthetic medicine is accused of drawing doctors away from traditional medical care, at a time when many French people struggle to find a general practitioner or specialist. Around 2,800 to 5,000 of the 125,000 private doctors in France are involved in aesthetic medicine, with some even focusing exclusively on it.

Doctors oppose the new restrictions

Aesthetic medicine doctors, who learned about the proposed decree this week, say it will not improve access to care but will instead harm the sector. Dr. Françoise Archambault, from the national union of aesthetic medicine, argues that limiting aesthetic work to 30% will make it unviable for many doctors due to the high costs of equipment like laser machines.

Financial concerns and potential consequences

Dr. Catherine Bergeret Galley, from the national union of plastic surgery, warns that independent doctors may no longer be able to afford their practices, which could lead to private clinics taking over with employed or part-time doctors. This shift might reduce the independence of medical professionals in the field.

Aesthetic medicine as a financial support

Dr. Catherine Oliveres-Ghouti, a dermatologist and union leader, notes that aesthetic medicine provides financial support for young doctors, as it is subject to 20% VAT. In contrast, a standard dermatology consultation covered by the national health system costs 31.50 euros.