Swiss acupuncturist closes clinic after rejecting new TARDOC billing system

After decades of practising Traditional Chinese Medicine, Armin Koch has permanently closed his clinic in Sarnen, canton Obwalden. The 70-year-old physician, known for his dedication to acupuncture, refused to adopt Switzerland's new TARDOC tariff system, which took effect on 1 January 2026. His decision marks the end of a long career shaped by both personal inspiration and unorthodox methods.

Koch's path to medicine began after his father suffered a stroke. Though he initially followed a different route—working as a ski instructor and later training as a secondary school teacher—he eventually pursued medical studies. His passion for acupuncture led him and his family to Sri Lanka, where he secured a training spot in the field.

For years, Koch treated patients with needles, sometimes leaving them behind by accident. One woman discovered a forgotten needle in her hair only when her hairdresser spotted it. Despite such incidents, he remained convinced of the body's natural healing abilities. The introduction of TARDOC, however, created major billing challenges for Swiss medical practices. Hospitals faced delays in invoicing, liquidity issues, and confusion over service classifications. Koch, unwilling to adjust to the new system, chose to shut his practice last week instead.

The closure of Koch's clinic leaves a gap in Sarnen's healthcare services. His departure also highlights the broader struggles within Switzerland's medical sector as providers adapt to TARDOC. While some facilities manage the transition, others—like Koch's—have opted to step away entirely.