Patients are increasingly resorting to video consultations for their medical appointments - Increase in Utilization of Video Calls for Patient Consultations
In the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare, Germany is witnessing a growing trend towards video consultations (VC), particularly during the Coronavirus pandemic. TK, a prominent healthcare provider in the country, is at the forefront of this digital shift, facilitating appointments via video calls.
Jens Baas, CEO of TK, has been an ardent advocate for the integration of VCs into the healthcare system. He believes that these consultations can significantly improve access to healthcare services, especially for general practitioners and psychotherapists, who are the most frequently booked by patients.
Despite the growing interest, a recent survey revealed that only about 6.7% of insured Germans had used VCs as of mid-2025. The main barriers cited were the lack of VC offerings by physicians, concerns over the quality of medical care, and data protection. However, the pandemic has catalysed digital adoption, increasing comfort and familiarity with virtual care among both patients and providers.
Baas and other stakeholders see video consultations as an integral part of the future of healthcare delivery in Germany. They are no longer just for convenience but part of a broader hybrid healthcare model that integrates virtual and in-person care to improve access and efficiency. Especially in mental health and chronic disease management, video consultations are becoming a critical tool to maintain continuity of care and expand reach.
Looking ahead, the future implications of VCs in German healthcare are promising. The expansion beyond simple video calls could transform care delivery, integrating remote patient monitoring, AI diagnostics, and comprehensive digital health services. Increased patient willingness to share data may lead to better personalized care, enhancing the effectiveness of telehealth services.
Hybrid models of care, combining virtual and face-to-face consultations, allow GPs and psychotherapists to optimize care pathways, improve outcomes, and reduce barriers to access. Addressing data protection concerns and quality assurance will be essential for wider adoption, building trust in telehealth by ensuring robust privacy protections and maintaining high standards of care quality.
Baas also suggests that patients should be able to have their first consultation digitally before scheduling a doctor's appointment, helping to manage healthcare resources during the Coronavirus pandemic. Mild illnesses, such as colds, can still be consulted with doctors via video, avoiding travel and longer wait times. By treating patients more quickly and where they can be best cared for, video consultations could revolutionize the German healthcare system.
In conclusion, video consultations in German healthcare are on a rising trend, supported by patient interest and technological advances, with future growth expected particularly in primary care and mental health services as part of an integrated digital health ecosystem, as emphasized by TK CEO Jens Baas.
- The use of science and technology in healthcare, such as remote patient monitoring and AI diagnostics, could be integrated with video consultations to transform care delivery in Germany.
- The rising trend of video consultations in German healthcare is expected to significantly improve access to health and wellness services, particularly in the areas of mental health and chronic disease management.
- Advocates of video consultations, including Jens Baas, CEO of TK, believe that integrating VCs into the healthcare system can contribute to the improvement of mental health, fitness-and-exercise, and overall health-and-wellness.
