This might not have been such a large problem were it not for the fact that the charges have become the norm amongst a certain consultant groups (notably surgeons), and that around 40% of the complementary health insurance policies do not cover these

This might not have been such a large problem were it not for the fact that the charges have become the norm amongst a certain consultant groups (notably surgeons), and that around 40% of the complementary health insurance policies do not cover these charges. The government has threatened to sanction consultants who do not stick to the 'tact and discretion' rule, but they have consistently stopped short of an all out war over the issue, probably out of fear of that they might well lose it! So in order to break the impasse, a deal has now been reached which effectively legitimises the use of dépassements d'honoraires, but on very specific terms. https://frenchmart.fr/