Oliver Blatt, Chairman of the GKV-Spitzenverband, has sharply criticized statements made by the Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians regarding more difficult appointment scheduling as part of planned healthcare reforms. Speaking to the “Rheinische Post” on Tuesday, Blatt stated that he expected the Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians not to be entirely compliant with the commission’s proposals. However, he strongly disapproved of the threat that the Association might offer fewer appointments in the future, calling such measures neither appropriate nor effective. He added that he only appealed to physicians to engage seriously with the discussion about changes across all sectors. According to Blatt, while it is correct if the commission reduces additional reimbursements aimed at speeding up appointments-since faster appointments are rare-there is no basis to demand extra money for an improvement in performance that does not exist. The GKV chairman concluded by saying that threats are unhelpful and make good reforms difficult to achieve.
Doctor Association Slapped Critics Over Declining Appointment Scheduling Amid Health Reform Plans
