A significant majority of Germans express frustration with lengthy waits for specialist medical appointments, according to a recent survey conducted by Forsa for the Techniker Krankenkasse (TK) health insurance fund. The poll, reported by “Der Spiegel”, revealed that 58 percent of respondents believe the current waiting times are “far too long.
Jens Baas, CEO of TK, highlighted the issue, stating that appointment scheduling frequently relies on chance and outdated systems, rather than patient need. He emphasized that the current process often leaves patients at the mercy of unpredictable availability.
The German government is currently proposing a primary care system as a potential solution. This model would require patients to initially consult with their general practitioner, who would then refer them to a specialist. However, Baas believes this approach alone is insufficient. He argues that patient guidance should extend beyond individual practices.
Baas advocated for alternative strategies, including initial medical assessments via telephone and the implementation of a centralized appointment platform. These measures, he suggests, would enable patients to access appropriate specialists more efficiently.
While satisfaction levels with general practitioners remain notably higher – with only 15 percent reporting excessively long wait times – Baas cautioned that these doctors are already experiencing unsustainable workloads. He warned that a system mandating all patient referrals through general practices risks creating new bottlenecks within the healthcare system. The ultimate goal, he asserted, should be direct access to the specialist best suited to address a patient’s specific needs.