The Medical Adviser: Friend or Foe?

Abstract

The whole of the Belgian population is insured against the risk of illnesses. The many sick funds are now linked to politico-ideological parties and play an important role in the social and political scene. Every sick fund has its medical adviser, whose task it is to make sure that all legal aspects are respected and that the patient is helped in the best way; recently he has been getting more involved in social problems and paying more attention to prevention and health education. He is at the intersection between sick funds, patients and the activities of health care providers, where conflicting interests meet. Aspects of the medical adviser, patient, general practitioner in this triangular relationship are illustrated. Patients see the medical adviser as a controller, who will send them back to work. GPs think he is an official, requesting too many forms, ignorant of the specific social conditions of his patient. The medical adviser on the other hand would like patients and doctors to understand his role better.