A leading German medical association has voiced support for plans to reduce the frequency of patient-doctor interactions, echoing concerns raised by the Federal Minister of Health. Markus Beier, Chairman of the German Association of General Practitioners, acknowledged the complexity within the German healthcare system, stating that patients often struggle to identify the appropriate specialist for their particular medical needs, contributing to a high volume of appointments.
The initiative comes in response to remarks made by Federal Minister of Health Nina Warken, who highlighted that Germans tend to seek medical attention more frequently than citizens of other nations. While acknowledging this trend doesn’t necessarily correlate with improved health outcomes or longevity, Minister Warken has emphasized the need for greater coordination to prevent unnecessary visits and expedite access to appointments for those genuinely requiring medical attention. She reaffirmed her commitment to introducing a system prioritizing primary care physicians.
Beier reiterated the potential benefits of establishing a nationwide primary care system, where general practitioners serve as the first point of contact for patients. He believes this structure would streamline the healthcare journey, directing patients to the most appropriate care setting, potentially reducing the overall volume of appointments while simultaneously improving quality of care. He pointed to the prevalence of such systems in other European countries.
Currently, a voluntary model known as the “House Physician Model” exists in Germany, whereby statutory health insurers are obligated to provide patient-centered care. Beier advocates for the government and Minister Warken to build upon and strengthen this existing framework, aligning with the principles outlined in the current coalition agreement. He cautioned against attempting a complete overhaul, which would be time-consuming and potentially unsustainable given the current demographic challenges.