The German Federal Minister of Health, Nina Warken (CDU), has advocated for a healthcare system where patient insurance status should not be a factor in securing appointments with medical professionals.
Speaking to publications within the Funke-Mediengruppe, Minister Warken emphasized that the scheduling of consultations should be independent of whether a patient holds private or public insurance. She reiterated her support for the implementation of a primary care physician system, designed to streamline access to specialist care. Under this model, the primary care physician would serve as the initial point of contact, responsible for ensuring patients receive timely appointments with specialists within designated timeframes.
Regarding proposals for practice or contact fees, Minister Warken expressed caution. She suggested exploring various methods to manage practice visits effectively, prioritizing patient care while avoiding unnecessary financial burdens. The ultimate goal, she stated, is a healthcare reform that maintains a high standard of care while ensuring stability in contribution rates. She affirmed that the reform commission tasked with developing such changes will have a mandate for open and uninhibited exploration of all possibilities.
Currently, individuals with public health insurance in Germany frequently experience longer wait times for specialist appointments compared to those with private insurance. This disparity has generated frustration and public criticism.
Minister Warken further noted that Germans tend to visit physicians at a higher rate than citizens of many other countries. However, she cautioned that this frequency does not necessarily correlate with improved health outcomes or extended lifespans. Consequently, she stressed the need for greater control and coordination within the healthcare system to reduce unnecessary consultations and to expedite access to both primary care physicians and specialists for patients in urgent need.