Region Sörmland has taken action against digital care providers Kry and Doktor.se due to improper billing practices wherein these providers billed for digital consultations that the region did not classify as qualifying medical care. According to Mats Henningsson, the health care selection manager, this decision was made after a thorough analysis of potential actions outlined in the regional regulations for care choice. The region argues that simply directing patients to seek care at physical clinics or providing self-care advice does not meet the criteria for qualified care under their guidelines.

The region lacks national guidance defining what qualifies as medical care, which complicates the situation further. However, Region Sörmland has firmly established its own criteria for what constitutes appropriate care. Digital care providers must now rectify their practices before the end of February by presenting clear measures to ensure compliance with the region’s standards. This warning reflects a broader scrutiny of digital healthcare practices and their adherence to established care criteria.

SVT is currently seeking comments from the digital care providers involved, Kry and Doktor.se, to further understand their perspectives on the situation. This incident sheds light on the ongoing debate regarding the regulation of digital healthcare services in Sweden and the challenges faced by both care providers and regulatory bodies in ensuring the quality of medical care delivered remotely.