Ankara Medical Chamber Reacts to REDES and MEDULA Practices

The Ankara Medical Chamber organized a press conference against the Risk-Based Audit System, which complicates physicians' working conditions, and the obligation to approve invoices via MEDULA, demanding an end to these practices.

Criticism of the Risk-Based Audit System

The Ankara Medical Chamber reacted to the Risk-Based Audit System application, which complicates physicians' working conditions. It was stated that the initial results of the system, implemented with the approval of the Ministry of Health, turned into practices that offend physicians.

It was noted that the system scans health data using computer programs and artificial intelligence applications, reports physicians who write prescriptions above a certain amount, and sends these reports to chief physician offices to demand defense statements.

Emphasis on Professional Independence and Dignity

It was emphasized that questioning the diagnoses and treatments applied by physicians to patients in this manner constitutes an intervention in professional independence. It was stated that this situation means treating physicians as potential fraudsters.

It was recalled that some physicians were asked why the medications in the prescription were obtained from a specific pharmacy, and it was reminded that patients decide which pharmacy to obtain their prescriptions from.

Reaction to the Invoice Approval Obligation

A reaction was also shown against the obligation to approve invoices via MEDULA, which has been expanded to include Training and Research Hospitals. It was stated that physicians logging into the system with their personal e-signatures and approving medical procedures is outside their job descriptions.

It was emphasized that such works and transactions are the duties of specialized personnel who serve in the administrative services class and possess knowledge in financial and technical fields.

Legal and Financial Liability Risk

Attention was drawn to the fact that the application could leave physicians facing legal and financial liability. It was stated that in case of potential erroneous outputs, the direct liability of the physician will come to the agenda.

It was noted that the problems experienced were conveyed by meeting with the Ankara Provincial Health Directorate and that the authorities stated they would deal with the issue.