Encouraging doctor appointments with incentives could lead to a targeted approach
Federal Health Minister Nina Warken has announced that the issues regarding financial incentives for targeted access to specialists will be discussed. This proposal, part of the coalition of the Union and SPD's plans, aims to improve the efficiency of the healthcare system by ensuring timely access to specialists.
Warken advocates for further digitalization and a greater role for pharmacies in the healthcare system. She proposes a fee for direct access to specialists or a bonus for visiting a general practitioner first. However, the details of the financial incentives are yet to be determined.
The proposed system requires patients to visit a general practitioner first, who can then refer them to a specialist. If a specialist appointment cannot be made within the guaranteed timeframe at a practice, patients have the option to be treated by a specialist or in a hospital. The system guarantees a certain timeframe for specialist appointments.
The Association of General Practitioners supports the coalition's plans. Birgit Fischer, the current spokesperson of the Association, emphasizes the importance of ensuring general practitioners do not become a bottleneck in the system. Nicola Buhlinger-Goepfarth from the Association suggests that existing general practitioner programs with health insurers could serve as a model.
However, the German Foundation for Patient Protection raises concerns about the lack of general practitioners, pharmacies offering medical services, and functional digitalization. Eugen Brysch from the Foundation warns that shortcomings need to be addressed before a primary general practitioner obligation can be introduced.
Older, chronically ill people could particularly benefit from the model proposed by the coalition, according to Buhlinger-Goepfarth. Markus Beier from the Association of General Practitioners highlights the effects of demographic change on practices, with older people tending to have more chronic illnesses, requiring more coordination of medications and doctor's appointments.
Warken acknowledges that the implementation of the system cannot happen immediately. The coalition's proposal does not specify the exact timeframe for specialist appointments. The coalition aims to implement a binding system for primary general practitioner visits and specialist referrals.
