In nine of the 15 surveyed chains of private clinics, unofficial categories of doctors appeared - "leading specialists", "specialists" and others. The division changes the cost of the initial appointment. In six chains, the difference in the price of consultations between the categories exceeds 150%. The cost of an expensive appointment can be 2.5 times higher than usual. At the same time, a voluntary health insurance policy does not always give access to the chosen doctor: sometimes a separate agreement with the insurer or payment from one's own money is required. The insurance companies see this classification as a hidden price increase. The clinics increase the average bill without changing the basic rates, and some of the costs arise already at the stage of choosing the doctor's category. Another burden falls on patients and insurers. The latter must take into account the increase in the cost of consultations when calculating the price of VHI policies. As a result, the internal division of specialists becomes a factor in increasing the cost of medical insurance.

In nine of the 15 surveyed chains of private clinics, unofficial categories of doctors appeared - "leading specialists", "specialists" and others. The division changes the cost of the initial appointment. In six chains, the difference in the price of consultations between the categories exceeds 150%. The cost of an expensive appointment can be 2.5 times higher than usual. At the same time, a voluntary health insurance policy does not always give access to the chosen doctor: sometimes a separate agreement with the insurer or payment from one's own money is required. The insurance companies see this classification as a hidden price increase. The clinics increase the average bill without changing the basic rates, and some of the costs arise already at the stage of choosing the doctor's category. Another burden falls on patients and insurers. The latter must take into account the increase in the cost of consultations when calculating the price of VHI policies. As a result, the internal division of specialists becomes a factor in increasing the cost of medical insurance.