Germany’s primary care physician association has strongly rejected proposals for the introduction of a co-payment fee for patients visiting doctors’ offices.
The association’s chair, Nicola Buhlinger-Göpfarth, described the suggestion, put forward by employer representatives, as both socially insensitive and fundamentally flawed. She argued that a general co-payment would require patients to pay for every medical consultation, regardless of the necessity – encompassing treatments ranging from cancer care and vaccinations to urgent health concerns.
Ms. Buhlinger-Göpfarth highlighted the particular burden this would place on patients with chronic conditions, such as those undergoing dialysis, who might face paying the fee dozens of times a year. She warned that such a charge would disproportionately affect financially vulnerable individuals and could deter necessary medical visits, potentially leading to delayed diagnoses and inadequate preventative care, with subsequent adverse health consequences and increased healthcare costs.
While acknowledging Germany has a high volume of doctor-patient interactions, not all of which are essential, the association argues against co-payments as a solution. Instead, they advocate for improved patient guidance and a strengthened role for primary care physicians as the first point of contact, referring patients to specialists when needed. This model, they believe, would ensure appropriate access to care while managing demand effectively.
