Physiotherapists

I need physiotherapy sessions!

I have a particular condition or need rehabilitation after an operation?

Thankfully, physiotherapy sessions are covered if my doctor has prescribed them.

All I need to know

How are the sessions organised?

My physiotherapist can adapt the frequency of the sessions and the techniques used (massages, electrotherapy, etc.), in agreement with my prescribing doctor, according to my needs and the evolution of my pathology.

However, there are quality standards to be respected.

These include, for example, the prohibition on treating several patients at the same time and the requirement that treatment sessions last at least 20 minutes.

If in doubt, I do not hesitate to contact the CNS.

What are the conditions and terms of reimbursement?

My medical prescription

The prescription issued by my doctor, who prescribes physiotherapy, must specify the type of treatment, the number of sessions and their frequency, as well as the treatment prescribed as such. My Luxembourg based doctor will use a standardised prescription to prescribe physiotherapy sessions.

The maximum number of sessions covered per prescription varies according to the type of treatment: 8 in the case of a common pathology (exceptions for ZK16 and ZK17 acts: 24), 64 in the case of a serious pathology and 16 for post-surgical rehabilitation.

Serious conditions are defined in Appendix G of the statutes of the CNS and are also shown on the back of the standardised prescription.

Any condition that does not appear on this list, with the exception of post-surgical rehabilitation, is considered to be a common condition.

Validation of my prescription

For my sessions to be covered, my medical prescription must be validated by the CNS.

Once the CNS has decided that the application is in order, it issues a certificate of coverage. It contains important information: maximum duration of treatment, number of sessions and rate of coverage.

Deadlines to be respected

If I have my physiotherapy sessions more than 3 months after the date of the prescription, they are no longer covered by health insurance.

However, there are exceptions where this period is extended:

  • 12 months if I have a serious condition mentioned in Appendix G of the statutes.
  • 4 months for procedures prescribed after surgery on the musculoskeletal system, for a maximum of 32 sessions, provided that:
    1. The prescription is made within 4 months of the operation.
    2. The procedures are carried out within 4 months of the prescription being validated.

Specifically, what steps do I need to take?

I have received a medical prescription from my doctor for physiotherapy sessions. How do I request validation of the prescription?

STEP 1

I make an appointment with the physiotherapist of my choice in Luxembourg. I arrange an appointment with them within 31 days of the prescription being issued. I hand the prescription to the physiotherapist at my first appointment.

STEP 2

My physiotherapist takes care of the rest: they send the document to the CNS via their computer system. This validation request must be made within 31 days of the prescription being issued.

STEP 3

Once the CNS has decided that the application is in order, it issues a certificate of coverage and sends it to the physiotherapist. The certificate contains important information: maximum duration of treatment, number of sessions and rate of coverage.

STEP 4

At the end of the treatment, my doctor gives me an invoice and I only pay the part that is not covered by health insurance.

And what if my physiotherapist is based abroad?

If my physiotherapist is based abroad, it is up to me to apply to the CNS for validation of my prescription.

I send my prescription as quickly as possible - within 31 days of the prescription being issued at the latest - to the CNS by post (CNS, Service kinésithérapie, L-2980 Luxembourg).

Once the CNS has decided that the application is in order, it will issue a certificate of coverage and send it to me. The certificate contains important information: maximum duration of treatment, number of sessions and rate of coverage.

Are travel expenses covered?

The physiotherapist's travel expenses, for example to my home, may be covered if:

  • the doctor indicates on the prescription that it is medically necessary for the physiotherapist to travel to my home to provide treatment.
  • the trip takes place on Luxembourg territory. A trip across the border is not covered.

Once these conditions are met, the travel package is covered at the same rate as that applied to the service provided during the trip.

How are physiotherapy sessions covered?

Third-party payment

Physiotherapy sessions are generally paid directly by health insurance through the third-party payment system: I therefore only pay the physiotherapist the portion not covered by health insurance.

The third-party payment system only applies if the request for validation of my medical prescription comes directly from my physiotherapist based in Luxembourg.

Upfront payment

If the third-party payment system is not applied, the physiotherapist will provide me with an invoice at the end of the treatment, indicating the total amount due - clearly showing the portion covered by health insurance and any amount I may need to pay myself. Once I've paid, I can then submit a reimbursement request to the CNS for the amount covered by health insurance.

In order to be reimbursed for a physiotherapy invoice, it must:

  • include my 13-digit identification number, surname and first name and the number of the certificate of coverage (or a copy of the certificate of coverage)
  • be validly paid

Reimbursement rates

The rate of reimbursement of expenses is set at 70%.

However, there are exceptions where the coverage increases to 100%:

  • If my child is under 18 years of age at the time the prescription is issued.
  • If I have one of the serious medical conditions mentioned in Appendix G of the statutes.
  • If I need sessions prescribed after surgery on the musculoskeletal system, for a maximum of 32 sessions, provided that:
    1. The prescription is issued within 4 months of the operation.
    2. The sessions are carried out within 4 months of the prescription being validated.
  • For check-ups (bilans) as provided for in the physiotherapist nomenclature.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Can a foreign doctor prescribe physiotherapy sessions for me?

My doctor based abroad (outside Luxembourg) can prescribe physiotherapy sessions for me. Their prescriptions must contain all the information that is mandatory on the Luxembourg standardised prescription - even if they don't use the same template - and they must be written in either French, German or English.

Prescriptions written in another language are returned to me because they cannot be processed by the CNS.

And if I am a cross-border commuter, what about the coverage of physiotherapy care?

If I am a cross-border commuter and my children or I receive physiotherapy in our country of residence, the services will be covered exclusively by our local health insurance fund, in accordance with the rates, tariffs and conditions in force in that country.

What codes and tariffs apply?

The full list of acts and services provided by physiotherapists is set out in the nomenclature of procedures and services provided by physiotherapists. Click here to access the nomenclature of physiotherapists (list in PDF format).

Which serious illnesses, according to Appendix G, justify 100% coverage?

Treatment classified as ‘Serious condition’ may be prescribed for the following conditions. My doctor must indicate this on the prescription:

Code

Libellé

Actes pouvant être mis en compte par le kinésithérapeute

L01

Scoliose évolutive à partir de 20° (angle de Cobb)

ZK11

L02

Malformation squelettique congénitale grave et invalidante

ZK10, ZK11

L04

Polyarthrite chronique inflammatoire d’origine immunitaire

ZK10, ZK11

L05

Spondylarthrite grave et invalidante

ZK11

L06

Myopathies graves et invalidantes

ZK11

L07

Affection broncho-pulmonaire chronique irréversible obstructive et/ou restrictive

ZK12

L08

Paralysie grave et invalidante

ZK10, ZK11, ZK14, ZK15

L09

Paraplégie

ZK14, ZK15

L10

Tétraplégie

ZK15

L11

Hémiplégie

ZK15

L12

Sclérose en plaques

ZK14, ZK15

L13

Sclérose latérale amyotrophique

ZK14, ZK15

L14

Infirmité motrice cérébrale

ZK15

L15

Maladie de Parkinson

ZK15

L16

Maladie d’Alzheimer

ZK15

L17

Lymphœdème après curage ganglionnaire

ZK16, ZK17

Why has my physiotherapist invoiced me compensation for loss of fees and extraordinary constraints?

I only have to pay compensation for loss of fees and extraordinary constraints if my physiotherapist has first explained the applicable rules to me and I have given my consent. If there is ever a disagreement, it is up to my physiotherapist to prove that they have informed me and that I have accepted the conditions.

This compensation is not covered by health insurance.

Late cancellation or delay

If I do not give at least 24 hours' notice that I cannot attend my appointment, or if I arrive more than 15 minutes late, the physiotherapist may charge me additional fees. These fees may not exceed the amount provided for the missed appointment and are invoiced under the code ZCP1.

Appointments outside normal hours

If I request an appointment at a specific time before 8 a.m., after 7 p.m., or on a Saturday, Sunday or public holiday, outside the physiotherapist's usual hours, they may charge me an additional fee. This fee is invoiced under the code ZCP2.

Request for emergency treatment

If I request treatment within 24 hours without an appointment, the physiotherapist may charge me additional fees. These fees are invoiced under the code ZCP3.

Exception: I cannot be charged for emergency respiratory rehabilitation.

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