One Third of Insured Dissatisfied with Specialist Appointment Wait Time - Patients demand digital booking as specialist delays frustrate Germany’s health system
Patient satisfaction with GP wait times remains steady, but concerns grow over specialist delays. A new survey reveals that half of those polled now prioritise online or app-based booking—up sharply from 2022. Meanwhile, calls for better appointment systems are gaining traction among health officials and patient advocates.
The latest figures show 51% of patients are satisfied with GP wait times, while another 35% find them acceptable. Only 14% express dissatisfaction. Yet delays persist for specialists: 25% of patients wait over a month, and 10% face waits exceeding three months. Nearly a third of insured patients under Germany’s statutory health system describe these delays as excessive.
Most still book appointments the traditional way—59% for GPs and 65% for specialists do so in person or by phone. But demand for digital options is rising. Half of respondents now rate online or app-based booking as very important or important, a significant jump from 31% in 2022. In response, the GKV-Spitzenverband has proposed a real-time online portal where all medical practices must reserve a fixed share of slots. Deputy board member Stefanie Stoff-Ahnis argues this would improve transparency, cut waiting times, and stop practices from asking about insurance status upfront. Patient advocate Eugen Brysch adds that offices should offer at least 25 hours a week of availability across phone, email, and fax—especially to support older patients. The survey also highlights gaps in GP access: 25% of patients wait over three days for an appointment, while another 25% simply walk in without booking.
The push for digital booking reflects shifting patient expectations, with half now valuing online tools. Yet traditional methods still dominate, and long waits for specialists remain a key issue. Health officials are urging reforms to streamline access, including mandatory online slots and extended office hours for better patient support.
