Skip the waiting list

According to Irish law, anyone who needs a necessary medical treatment, and who is on the public health waiting list for it, has the right to have their treatment carried out in another EU or EEA country and be reimbursed by the HSE.

This lesser-known solution, which can significantly reduce a patient’s waiting time is the EU Cross Border Directive.

The EU Cross Border Directive is a EU initiative that allows patients to seek medical treatment in other EU/EEA countries and have the costs reimbursed by their home country’s public healthcare, for Ireland that is the HSE. This scheme aims to provide patients with faster access to healthcare services, reduce waiting times, and ensure better utilization of healthcare resources across Europe for every European citizen.

"This regulation is not new and has been in existence in Ireland since 2014. Our goal is to inform the people about their patient rights," says Dr. Fast Track's founder and spokesperson, Lars Staveland Nygaard.

Dr. Fast Track acts as a link between patients and a number of highly specialized and select European hospitals across Norway, Denmark, Sweden for example. The Dr Fast Track portal gives patients the option to find an alternative treatment solution quicker, skipping waiting lists, utilizing their patient rights and return to full health quicker.

"Our service is based on a portal that connects Irish patients on the waiting list for surgery in Ireland with hospitals in other countries in the EU and EEA. With Dr. Fast Track, we have mapped out an easy-to-follow path for the patients to book their surgeries aboard," says Staveland Nygaard.

EU Cross Border Directive – Dr Fast Track benefits for patients

It reduces waiting times, by allowing patients to take ownership of their own health and receive their treatment faster.

Dr Fast Track provides patients with access to high-quality healthcare services through their partner hospitals and getting reimbursed for the treatment cost through the directive means it becomes a financially viable option for residents of Ireland.

Why we set up a portal for fast and safe medical treatment in the EU

"We want Irish patients to have the opportunity to choose to get their treatment faster. Utilizing the scheme and system put in place by Europe is advantageous for all. Developing a portal that supports patients on their healthcare journey, one that matches patients on waiting lists in Ireland with hospitals with capacity in Europe, is a win for everyone, “says Staveland Nygaard.

The patient gets access to quality-assured hospital treatment from private providers quicker, hospitals that Dr. Fast Track has selected directly. These partner hospitals are well established and recognized, with long standing expertise and leading surgeons.

"All eligible patients are entitled to a refund of the surgery fee from the state they reside in as part of the EU Cross Border Directive. We encourage patients to research their options, consult with their GP or consultant, review the HSE guidance, select the right hospital for you and plan your trip”.

The EU Cross Border Directive is an invaluable option for patients stuck on long waiting lists. By taking advantage of the scheme, and availing of hte Dr Fast Track portal, patients can access quicker treatment, maintain high standards of care, and have the majority of their costs reimbursed.

Across the EU, countries face similar challenges, with historical and restrictive health systems. Likewise, many populations are living longer, resulting in greater demands on the healthcare sector, however living a long and healthy live is important.

Rapid treatment is good for society and the economy

As a service, Dr. Fast Track will benefit both patients and employers, allowing employees to get back to work faster, which in turn benefits the wider society.

"A hip replacement or a knee operation is straightforward procedure with one treatment cost. Sick leave, on the other hand, is ongoing and if long term can be costly for employers. Likewise, inactivity and lack of wellbeing impacts the patient, losing their sense of self and purpose.”

Dr. Fast Track believes that they can be an important contributor in getting as many people as possible back to their normal everyday life after illness or injury.

"With our service, we hope to be able to help many of Irelands population, and the wider European society, who are unnecessarily stuck in the public health queues to get back to full health quicker," concludes Lars.