Statutory Health Insurance Docs Push for Permanent Telephone Sick Notes
In the face of surging infections, Berlin's statutory health insurance doctors are pressing for the permanent adoption of telephone sick notes. According to an RBB report, the head of the Berlin Statutory Health Insurance Physicians Association, Burkhard Ruppert, advocated for this move, citing the recent spike in infections as a major reason. The demand was justified since surgeries are already drowning in cases. Ruppert argued, "Given the current situation, an immediate return to telephone regulations is prudent — not in weeks, but now" (RBB). A spokesperson for the association confirmed this report on Monday.
The need for telephone sick notes has been recognized by the federal government as well, with the Bundestag passing a law in the summer spearheaded by Health Minister Karl Lauterbach (SPD). However, the conditions for using telecommunication-based sick notes are strict. They require that the ailment is not severe and the doctor already has a relationship with the patient from previous treatments. These regulations are currently being formulated by the Joint Federal Committee, a body comprising doctors, insurance companies, and clinics.
According to RBB, the Federal Joint Committee will be working on the legal mandate with a goal to finalize it by the end of 2023. The country's health authorities have reported a rise in acute respiratory illnesses and coronavirus infections for several weeks now. Flu season is imminent.
Doctors are in favor of regularizing telephone sick notes due to the surge in infections, which would strain surgeries. RBB reported that Health Minister Lauterbach allowed for sick notes by phone, provided the illness is not severe and the doctor is familiar with the patient.
Enrichment Data Integration:
Reintroduction of Telephone Sick Notes: Since December 2023, the use of telephone sick notes has been made available again in Germany (DPA).
Criticism from Companies: The reintroduction of telephone sick notes has raised concerns among businesses, with over 70% observing a significant increase in sickness absence rates (DPA).
Company Opinions: A massive majority of surveyed companies — 81.4% — are strongly opposed to the use of telephone sick notes, advocating for their abolition (DPA).
Rewritten Sentences:
- Since December 2023, telephone sick notes have been made accessible once more in Germany.
- Over 70% of surveyed companies have observed a substantial increase in sickness absence rates due to the reintroduction of telephone sick notes.
- A massive majority, 81.4%, of surveyed companies protest the use of telephone sick notes and advocate for discontinuation.
Paragraph Adjustments and Flow:
- Original: Doctors advocating for statutory health insurance physicians believe that the permanent use of telephone sick notes is necessary due to the rising number of infections, which would overburden surgeries. Rewritten: The recent surge in infections has necessitated the permanent use of telephone sick notes, according to doctors advocating for statutory health insurance physicians. This practice would help ease the pressure on surgeries.
- Original: According to RBB, Health Minister Karl Lauterbach's summer law allows for sick notes by telephone, as long as the illness is not severe and the doctor is already familiar with the patient. Rewritten: Health Minister Karl Lauterbach's summer law acknowledges the use of telephone sick notes, making it possible provided that the illness isn't severe and the doctor already knows the patient.
Revised and Vary Sentences:
- Original: The situation is worsening, as the majority of companies surveyed—81.4%—are critical of the use of telephone sick notes. Rewritten: The criticism of telephone sick notes grows louder, with 81.4% of surveyed companies vehemently opposing their use.
- Original: The reintroduction of telephone sick notes is met with scepticism from companies, with 71% seeing a significant increase in sickness absence rates. Rewritten: Based on their experiences, over 70% of surveyed companies question the reintroduction of telephone sick notes, as they have experienced a substantial increase in sickness absence rates.
