NFZ Restricts Complex Surgery to Specialist Wards Starting October 2026
Poland's National Health Fund introduces new rules requiring orthopedic, urological, neurosurgical, and pulmonological procedures to be performed exclusively in specialized hospital wards from October 1, 2026, tightening quality and billing requirements.
Starting October 1, 2026, the National Health Fund (NFZ) will enforce stricter rules on which hospital wards can bill for specific surgical procedures. Selected orthopedic, urological, neurosurgical, and pulmonological procedures must now be performed exclusively in wards specializing in those fields—not in general surgery departments.
NFZ President Filip Nowak emphasized that "patient safety" is the priority behind this change. The reform follows ongoing efforts to improve hospital transparency and resource allocation across Poland's public healthcare system.
What This Means for Foreigners
If you're accessing care through NFZ or require specialist surgery, your referral pattern may change. Procedures that were previously available at your local general hospital might now require referral to a regional or major specialized facility. This could mean longer travel times or waiting lists for some urgent cases. Check with your GP or hospital early if you're scheduled for these types of procedures—they'll need to confirm whether your hospital has the proper specialization designation.
Sources
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