Social Minister Urges Hospital to Raise Tick Removal Fee to €90
The North Estonia Medical Centre (PERH) charges €50 for tick removal, but Social Minister Karmen Joller suggests increasing it to €90, the same price as at veterinary clinics.
Since April 1, new regulations allow hospital emergency departments to direct patients with minor health issues to family doctors or pharmacists, or to charge for the service. PERH now charges €50 for tick removal if the tick is on a body part the patient can reach themselves, based on the hospital's price list.
Last summer, 200 people visited PERH for tick removal. Patients are informed at registration that the service is paid before being sent to a triage nurse.
In her podcast, Social Minister Karmen Joller recommended that the regional hospital review its price list, noting that removing a tick at a veterinary clinic costs €90. She mentioned her dog Pontu, from whom they removed five ticks themselves before applying tick medication.
Special tick removal hooks are available in pharmacies for a few euros, allowing people to remove ticks independently or with help.
