Medical on-call service restrictions in Schleswig-Holstein are on the horizon due to a ruling by the Federal Social Court regarding social insurance obligations of pool doctors. As announced by the Schleswig-Holstein Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians (KVSH), medical practices will need to close at nine locations for three days a week starting January 1, 2024. These affected areas include Bad Oldesloe, Eckernförde, Oldenburg, Preetz, Westerland, Büsum, Ratzeburg, Kappeln, and Neustadt.
The KVSH terminated the contracts of around 450 pool doctors at the end of the year to cope with the additional social insurance obligations, estimated to cost up to five million euros annually. This ruling might result in a financial burden of around 15 million euros if the pension insurance company seeks past four-year payments.
This development may impact the overall health of residents, particularly in the affected regions. However, continuous service will be provided in Kappeln and Neustadt during their peak tourist seasons from April to September 2024 to mitigate the consequences.
In the broader context, these restrictions may be influenced by factors such as pandemic management, healthcare capacity, resource allocation, and public health measures. The potential effects include limited access to healthcare, negative health outcomes, social exclusion, and psychological impact on residents in affected locations.
