Title: Addressing On-Call Medical Service Challenges in Germany
In a call to action, the German Patient Protection Foundation has sparked controversy over bottlenecks in the on-call medical service, urging Federal Health Minister Karl Lauterbach (SPD) and state counterparts to intervene. CEO Eugen Brysch, voicing concerns to the German Press Agency, pinpointed problems during nighttime and weekend hours. This leads to escalating issues for sick individuals, particularly in rural areas, while hospital emergency services and rooms face overwhelming pressure.
The crux of the dilemma? A ruling by the Federal Social Court in Kassel in October. It ruled that pool doctors - who have assumed emergency services duties within an Association of Statutory Health Insurance Dentists' emergency service center - should not be remunerated as self-employed professionals, but must also be covered by social insurance. This impact led to various federal states implementing restrictions on on-call services, such as altering the opening hours of on-call practices, due to ceasing cooperation with pool doctors.
Depending on the region, up to 50% of the on-call physicians are affected. Brysch strongly advises prompt action from Lauterbach and health ministers across federal states, emphasizing the importance of supervising Kassenärztliche Vereinigungen for patient welfare, and promptly restoring the statutory mandate of statutory health insurance physicians. Registered panel doctors are obliged to participate in the on-call service.
Insights
Addressing bottlenecks in the on-call medical service sparks wider efforts to streamline Germany's healthcare system. Formulated as the Healthcare Provision Strengthening Act, the reform package objects to budgeting systems for GPs, replacing them with annual flat rates for remuneration. This change aims to minimize unnecessary appointments and waiting times, while granting equal opportunities for both privately and state-insured patients.
Health Minister Karl Lauterbach, a driving force behind the reforms, has spearheaded the campaign to bring parity in medical appointments based on urgency, aiming to quell dissatisfaction among Germans. The ruling coalition-SPD, FDP, and the Greens- remain united in their shared efforts to address systemic healthcare challenges in Germany.
Additional Reading
As discussions continue and political leaders take action, the German public looks to media sources for real-time updates on the country's evolving healthcare policies.
