Honorartakster i kjeveortopedi: Forskjeller mellom offentlige, private og Helfos satser

English summary Price tariffs in orthodontics: differences between public, private, and Helfos rates Nor Tannlegeforen Tid. 2024; 134: 1032-8. Background/Purpose: About half of Norwegian children receive orthodontic treatment, yet socioeconomic disparities exist due to partial government funding. This study aimed to explore economic barriers to orthodontic care by examining differences in rates between Helfo and private/public orthodontists, and assessing the actual percentage of financial support given by HELFO to patient in need of orthodontic treatment. Method: A questionnaire was sent to Norwegian orthodontists through the Norwegian Orthodontic Association to survey tariffs and additional out-of-pocket expenses. Differences in pricing between private and public orthodontists for individual fees and a hypothetical treatment course were examined. Due to a low response rate from public orthodontists, fee information was directly obtained from all county councils. Results: There were 32 respondents (29 private, 3 public), with a total of 22 public and 14 private orthodontists included in the fee analysis. Significant price differences were noted on specific tariffs, but not across a hypothetical treatment scenario. Both private and public orthodontists generally charge more than Helfo’s rates, leading to higher patient out-of-pocket expenses. Actual Helfo reimbursements for patients were approximately 70 %, 50 %, and 30 % for group a, b and c. Conclusion: The study found that both private and public orthodontic fees significantly exceed Helfo’s, increasing out-of-pocket costs for patients and reinforcing financial barriers to orthodontic care in Norway.