The government has set an annual maximum state contribution of two million euros for thermal treatments.
Each thermal treatment must have a minimum duration of 12 days and a maximum of 21 days, depending on the prescription from the general and family medicine doctor of the user in the National Health Service (SNS), which is valid for one year.
The contribution covers the set of acts and techniques that comprise each thermal treatment, according to the treatment plan defined by the hydrologist doctor at the thermal establishment, following the family doctor’s prescription.
According to the decree, signed by the Ministers of Finance, Joaquim Miranda Sarmento, and Health, Ana Paula Martins, the contributions cover various diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, rhinitis, asthma, urticaria, psoriasis, diabetes, obesity, venous insufficiency, anemia, and neurological and psychiatric disorders.
In addition to consultation and medical follow-up, the decree defines thermal acts and techniques: Hydropinea, immersion techniques, shower techniques, steam techniques, special techniques (respiratory system, other techniques), and complementary techniques.
The Shared Services of the Ministry of Health (SPMS) are responsible for ensuring, within a maximum of 180 days after the entry into force of the decree, the adaptation of electronic prescription systems and access platforms used by thermal establishments.
During the 180-day period, thermal treatment providers must also adapt their information systems regarding technical compliance and the billing of subsidized thermal treatments according to the standards and technical specifications defined by the SPMS.
“The provider must make available to the user and SNS health professionals the report concerning the results of the thermal care provided, through the digital means provided” by the SPMS, states the decree.
The Central Administration of the Health System (ACSS) is responsible for monitoring the implementation of the scheme established in the decree, ensuring the monitoring of the number of users, types of thermal acts and techniques, and total and local health unit-specific expenses billed.
The government emphasizes that “the relevance of thermalism within the context of the SNS has been repeatedly recognized, namely for its contribution to the prevention and control of chronic pathologies, improvement of users’ quality of life, potential reduction in expenses associated with the prescription of complementary diagnostic and therapeutic means and the consumption of medicines, as well as the reduction of work absenteeism.”
