Personal conveniences

I consulted my doctor, paid the fees and received my invoice. My doctor charged me a CP1 code.

This is not the first time I have seen such a code on an invoice. My dentist has already charged me a CP8.

What do these codes mean, and in what cases can my doctor apply them?

The CNS explains everything on this page.

Everything I need to know

What is a personal convenience charge?

In certain situations, my doctor or dentist is authorised to charge me an additional fee for personal convenience (CP), provided that they have informed me in advance and received my authorisation.

These personal convenience charges are not reimbursed by the CNS.

The CNS distinguishes between:

  • Personal conveniences related to an appointment
  • Personal conveniences related to the treatment received
  • Personal conveniences in the context of hospitalisation in a private room

My doctor or dentist must invoice the CP codes together with the other services on the same invoice. The invoice must clearly indicate the type of personal convenience (the specific CP code) and the amount claimed, in order to avoid any undue reimbursement by health insurance.
There is no fixed rate for personal convenience supplements. However, my doctor or dentist must bill these supplements with 'tact and moderation'.

If I believe that I have been invoiced for a CP without good reason, I will first contact the doctor directly to clarify the situation.

Personal convenience related to an appointment

My doctor or dentist invoices me for personal convenience (CP) in relation to an appointment under codes CP1 to CP7.

My doctor or dentist is entitled to charge an additional fee if I request an appointment at a specific time and the doctor complies with this request.

There are seven CP codes:

  • CP1: An appointment made at my express request for a specific day and time, provided that the appointment was honoured by the doctor.
  • CP2: An appointment made at my express request for a Saturday morning, when the doctor normally works Monday to Friday.
  • CP3: If I arrive late for my appointment without providing a valid excuse.

For doctors who consult exclusively by appointment or during specific time slots:

  • CP4: An appointment made at my express request for a specific day and time, after I have refused two proposals from the doctor.
  • CP5: If I ask to be seen immediately without having made an appointment in advance, except in an emergency.
  • CP6: If I request treatment during an emergency consultation or visit, without the urgency being recognised by the doctor.
  • CP7: If I seek the doctor's advice by telephone and the conversation lasts more than ten minutes.

Personal conveniences related to treatment received

Personal convenience related to treatment is invoiced under code CP8, which is used only by dentists.

  • CP8: This code applies to dental services and supplies that I have accepted and that exceed the rates covered by health or accident insurance.

Personal conveniences during hospitalisation in a single room

If, during inpatient treatment, I choose to be treated in a single hospital room (first class), this is considered a personal convenience. In this case, my doctor and other doctors involved (such as the anaesthetist) are entitled to charge a 66% surcharge on the official rates for consultations, visits, acts and medical services in second class.

Good to know: If my hospitalisation in a single room is medically necessary, no surcharge may be applied.

Acts performed in the operating room may also be subject to a surcharge if my stay in a single room begins within 48 hours of the surgical procedure or discharge from the intensive care unit.

These additional costs are not covered by health insurance.

Failure to attend an appointment

If I fail to attend an appointment without giving prior notice, my doctor may charge me a fee equivalent to the cost of a normal consultation, which is not covered by health insurance. In the event of extensive treatment, an amount in line with the loss incurred by the doctor may be charged, which my doctor will determine with tact and moderation.

My invoice will indicate the amount claimed for the consultation, with the words ‘Appointment not kept’.

This compensation is due if I do not cancel the appointment at least 24 hours in advance for a normal consultation, or 2 working days in advance for major treatment.

My doctor must inform me in advance if the treatment is considered significant and of the cancellation deadline applicable at the time the appointment is made.

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