Just when I think I am getting the hang of the healthcare system after 18 months of living here, I am again a little confused! I have however just about mastered the art of confusion and increased patience!
I have a Carte Vital (RAM/RSI as self employed) and have a mutuelle just for hospitalisation cover (as I cannot afford full cover).
Normally when I go to the doctors or see a specialist I pay with my Carte vitalle and reimbursement arrives maybe a week later in my bank account. This time I have been to the local Laboratoire on a couple of visits, they have swiped my cartle vitale and then I have paid about 30 euros per visit. I assumed this was the 100% rate I usually pay and expected to get reimboursed the extra 70% or so into my bank account. It didn't come after 6 weeks, checked with RAM and they had no record of it, checked with the Laboratoire and they said this amount is only repayable by a Mutuelle and then they totally confused me! (My French may be improving all the time, but still has some limitations!) My question therefore is 'Do Laboratoires simply charge you 30% up front rather than ask for the full 100% and then there is no reimboursement?'
Thanks anyone that can shed some light on this one!
Nicole xx