The Swiss and Vaud healthcare system is full of acronyms. This page explains in simple terms the main networks, structures and terms you will come across in Bex and the Chablais.
Local networks and services
RSHL
Réseau Santé Haut-Léman (Haut-Léman Health Network)
One of the four healthcare networks of the canton of Vaud. It coordinates healthcare actors in eastern Vaud (hospitals, home care, nursing homes, etc.) to ensure a coherent care pathway and projects that meet the population’s needs.
🏢 Route des Tilles 6a, 1847 Rennaz · 📞 024 468 84 76 · 🌐 rshl.ch
BRIO
Bureau régional d’information et d’orientation (Regional Information and Guidance Office)
A free one-stop service that informs and guides older people, people who are ill or living with a disability, and their families: home care, nursing homes, support, adapted housing, administrative procedures. The BRIO for the region is attached to the RSHL.
📞 021 960 19 19 (Aigle)
CMS / AVASAD
Centre médico-social (medico-social centre) · Association vaudoise d’aide et de soins à domicile (Vaud Association for Home Help and Care)
The CMS is the public home care and home help service (nursing care, housekeeping help, meals, assistive devices). The Vaud CMS come under the AVASAD.
OSAD
Organisation de soins à domicile (private home care organisation)
A recognised private organisation that provides home care in addition to, or instead of, the CMS. In Bex: OSAD Helvetia, at the Pôle Santé Massongex.
EMS
Établissement médico-social (nursing home)
A medicalised retirement home for people who can no longer live at home. In Bex: EMS Résidence La Grande-Fontaine and EMS La Résidence.
CAT / UAT
Centre d’accueil temporaire (temporary day care centre)
Day care for older people living at home: activities, meals, care, and respite for family carers. See the page Medico-social actors in Bex.
LADA
Logements adaptés avec accompagnement (adapted housing with support)
Sheltered apartments (“résidences protégées”) for independent older people, with support and a reassuring presence. The cantonal list is on vd.ch.
ARASAPE
Regional social action
A regional social action association, partner of the municipality of Bex. Information and contact: arasape.ch.
Insurance and care terms
LAMal — Federal Health Insurance Act (Loi fédérale sur l’assurance-maladie): compulsory basic insurance for everyone resident in Switzerland.
LAA — Federal Accident Insurance Act (Loi fédérale sur l’assurance-accidents): covers accidents and occupational diseases (employer’s insurance).
Tiers payant (TP, direct billing) — the insurer pays the provider directly; you pay only your share.
Tiers garant (TG, pay then be reimbursed) — you pay the invoice and are then reimbursed by the insurer.
Deductible (franchise) / co-payment (quote-part) — the share of costs you bear before and after reimbursement.
FMH — Swiss Medical Association (Fédération des médecins suisses); an FMH title certifies recognised postgraduate training.
Permanence / emergencies — useful numbers on the page Emergencies and useful numbers.
Is an acronym or explanation missing? Write to us: espace@b-sante.ch. Information provided for guidance only; sources: vaudfamille.ch, vd.ch.