Subsection 2: Duties towards patients

Articles in this section · 19

Article R4321-98

French Public Health CodeIn force

Updated 2 Nov 2023

The masseur-physiotherapist's fees are determined with tact and moderation, taking into account the regulations in force, the services provided or particular circumstances. They may only be claimed in respect of procedures actually carried out.

The masseur-physiotherapist complies with the provisions of articles L. 1111-3-2 and L. 1111-3-3 as regards informing the patient of the costs relating to his services and the conditions for reimbursement and exemption from advance payment of these costs. He ensures that the patient is informed in advance of the amount of the fees.

Any masseur-physiotherapist who presents his activity to the public, particularly on a website, must include information on the fees charged, the methods of payment accepted and the obligations laid down by law to allow access for all persons to prevention or care without discrimination. The information must be clear, honest, precise and non-comparative.

The masseur-physiotherapist responds to all requests for information and explanations about his fees or the cost of a treatment. He/she may not refuse payment of any sums received.

No particular method of payment may be imposed on patients. Except in the case of specific regulatory provisions, flat-rate payments for treatment and requests for advance payments for therapeutic care are prohibited in all circumstances.

Advice given to a patient by telephone or by correspondence does not give rise to any fee, subject to the provisions relating to telecare.

Mariela Petrova

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Working with a corporate lawyer in France — Q&A

Any time a strategic decision changes how the company is owned, governed or contractually bound — incorporation, fundraising, M&A, restructuring, shareholder agreements, or major commercial contracts. Earlier engagement always costs less than later remediation.

A notary (notaire) is a public officer who authenticates specific deeds (mainly real-estate transfers and certain family-law acts). A corporate lawyer (avocat) advises on strategy, negotiates and drafts company documents, and represents you in disputes. The two roles complement rather than overlap.

Yes — most of our clients are foreign suppliers, investors or holding entities. We bridge the gap between French law and your home jurisdiction's expectations and deliver everything bilingually.

The SAS (Société par Actions Simplifiée) is the default choice for most international structures: flexible governance, single shareholder allowed, no minimum capital, and works cleanly with foreign holding entities. We assess SARL, SA, SCI on the merits when the situation calls for it.

Yes — communications with a French avocat are protected by the secret professionnel (Article 66-5 of the Law of 31 December 1971). This protection is broader than the common-law attorney-client privilege and applies to written and oral exchanges.

We work on fixed fees for clearly scoped engagements (incorporation, contract drafting, audits) and on monthly retainers for ongoing advisory. Hourly billing is the exception, not the default. You always know the cost before work starts.

Typical timeline is 2–3 weeks from KYC kick-off to RCS registration, assuming standard documentation. Holding-company structures, foreign-shareholder identification or in-kind contributions can extend this — we flag the gating items at the first meeting.

Absolutely. We routinely coordinate with your in-house counsel, expert-comptable or notaire — pragmatic collaboration is the norm, not the exception. We send them everything they need to do their part without duplicating work.

Mariela Petrova

Mariela Petrova

Avocate au Barreau de Paris

Toque #C2396

15+ Years In Corporate Practice

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Communications protected by professional secrecy — secret professionnel de l'avocat, Article 66-5 of the Law of 31 December 1971.

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