Published on March 29, 2026 · 9 min read
If you practise as a therapist in Switzerland, you’ve inevitably come across these numbers: 590, 581, 582, 312. But which one applies to your practice? Confusion is common — and billing errors cost time for both you and your patients.
This guide compares the three main tariff systems used by therapists in Switzerland in 2026, with concrete examples for each case.
Tarif 590 is for all complementary medicine therapists recognised by ASCA, RME or EMR: naturopaths, osteopaths, acupuncturists, reflexologists, medical massage therapists, kinesiologists, sophrologists, homeopaths, etc.
It is based on a system of 5-minute periods, billed at a free rate (generally CHF 10-15 per period). The VPT is set at 1.00.
Example: 60 min therapeutic massage
| Tariff code | 1062 |
| Periods | 12 (60 / 5) |
| Price per period | CHF 12.00 |
| Total | CHF 144.00 |
The PsyTarif applies to psychologist-psychotherapists practising in private practice since the prescription model of July 2022. Tarif 581 covers services under LAMal (mandatory health insurance), while Tarif 582 applies to LAA/LAI/LAM cases (accident, disability, military insurance).
For Tarif 581 (LAMal), the rate is set at CHF 2.58/min (provisional Federal Council rate, definitive structure targeted for 01.01.2027). Tarif 582 (LAA/LAI/LAM) uses a different point-based system.
Example: 50 min individual psychotherapy
| Code | PB (individual therapy) |
| Duration | 50 minutes |
| Rate | CHF 2.58/min |
| Total | CHF 129.00 |
Tarif 312 concerns qualified physiotherapists recognised by the FOPH. It uses a point value system defined by the FOPH, with 13 tariff positions (7xxx codes) and a point value that varies by canton.
| Criteria | Tarif 590 | PsyTarif 581/582 | Tarif 312 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Disciplines | Compl. medicine | Psychotherapy | Physiotherapy |
| Law | LCA (suppl.) | 581: LAMal / 582: LAA-LAI-LAM | LAMal (basic) |
| Unit | 5-min period | Minute (581) / Points (582) | Points |
| Price | Free | CHF 2.58/min (581, provisional) | Cantonal value |
| Codes | 1xxx | Pxxx | 7xxx |
| Prescription | Not required | Mandatory | Mandatory |
| DataMatrix | Mandatory | No | No |
| Reimbursement | Per LCA contract | Basic (deductible + 10%) | Basic (deductible + 10%) |
Using the wrong tariff code — a 1xxx code in a 312 invoice will be systematically rejected, just as a 7xxx code in a 590 invoice.
Confusing LCA and LAMal — a naturopath falls under 590 (LCA), not LAMal. Reimbursement goes through supplementary insurance, not basic.
Forgetting the prescription — for tariffs 581/582 and 312, no prescription = no reimbursement.
Wrong invoice format — the PsyTarif requires a specific ZAS format. A 590-format invoice will not be accepted.
Some therapists practise multiple disciplines (e.g. osteopath and physiotherapist). In this case: keep separate invoices for each tariff, use the corresponding codes, and verify that your RCC covers both types of services.
Therago supports all three tariffs (590, 581/582 and 312) with the correct formats, codes and validations for each. Tariff codes are pre-configured by discipline, the DataMatrix is generated automatically for 590, and the ZAS format is respected for the PsyTarif.
Do you bill with Tarif 590, 581 or 312? Therago generates compliant invoices, regardless of your tariff.
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