Under this plan, patients with statutory health insurance would generally need to visit their general practitioner (GP) first for all illnesses. The GP could then refer them to a specialist if they deem it necessary.
Consequently, the head of the National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians, Andreas Gassen, has now proposed a supplementary tariff. Anyone who still wishes to visit a specialist directly in the future would have to pay between €200 and €350 per year for this option. Gassen told the Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland (external link): “The black-red coalition’s plan to have insured individuals directed by a GP is sensible, particularly for older people with multiple illnesses and chronic conditions, but not for all insured individuals.” Gassen primarily refers to younger patients who often find the detour via the GP unnecessary.
Health Minister Nina Warken (CDU) recently announced that corresponding models—such as fees for direct treatment—would be discussed.
Many experts consider the planned primary care physician system more efficient than the current free choice of doctor, as it would eliminate numerous unnecessary doctor visits. This system is already used in many other countries. Studies often credit these systems with better healthcare outcomes—at lower costs. Representatives of GPs are therefore in favor of such a system. In contrast, representatives of specialists warn that many specialist practices would have to close, leading to long waiting times for patients as a result.
Germany has also had a similar system before. Sick individuals had to obtain a referral from their GP to see a specialist or pay a fee there.
Latest Posts
