Gesundheitswesen: Ärzte für mehr Terminsteuerung - mit Anreizen

The German healthcare system aims to introduce stricter control over specialist doctor appointments, with incentives for patients. Dr. Klaus Reinhardt, president of the Physicians' Association, told the Funke media group, "People must experience that it is best for them to go to the general practitioner first and, if needed, have a referral organized there."

The association of general practitioners advocated for tangible benefits and asked for "appropriate" sanctions for deviations. The red-green coalition plans to introduce a mandatory primary care system, where patients usually go first to a general practitioner's office and, if needed, are referred to specialists within a specific time frame.

Online-based unified assessment of complaints is also expected before in-person visits. The new system is likely to come into effect by 2028. "Rules" with consequences were explained by Dr. Reinhardt: "Those who do not adhere to meaningful rules should experience longer waiting times than someone who is equally sick but follows the rules."

Financial mechanisms may also be considered to shorten waiting times. Germany has one of the highest numbers of hospital treatment cases worldwide and well above the European average of 9.7 doctor-patient contacts per year. The German Association for Patient Protection stated that the German system is undoubtedly inefficient. However, the medical lobby draws the wrong conclusions.

"Patients are not the sole culprits for the system failure," said president Eugen Brysch. Medical professionals themselves contribute significantly to it. "Treatment quality is not honored, but the number of doctor-patient contacts is." He warned against asking patients for help again to pay for their own healthcare when they directly choose specialist appointments.

A "massive loss of confidence among people" would be understandable. The association called for clarity, as patients should be able to decide for or against participating in such a care pathway. "But if they choose these benefits, they must also abide by the rules," said association president Markus Blumenthal-Beier. "For this to work, there must be clear and comprehensible consequences for deliberately circumventing care pathways, such as visiting the specialist practice directly."

The association demanded that patients always contact their general practitioner's office during regular office hours - whether digitally, via phone, or in person. A digital or telephone preliminary assessment at general practitioner practices should be ruled out. The coordinating bodies and locations should also not be pharmacies or specialists.