The appeal of video consultations is on the rise within Germany’s healthcare system. According to the Techniker Krankenkasse (TK), a major health insurance provider, over 711,000 virtual treatments were conducted for its members last year. This represents a significant increase of approximately 135,000 compared to 2023, according to reporting in “Der Spiegel”.
Following a peak of 956,000 video consultations during the pandemic year of 2021, the number had previously declined. TK serves over twelve million members and found that the most common uses of virtual appointments were with general practitioners and psychotherapists.
Jens Baas, CEO of TK, emphasized that video consultations are not suitable for all medical conditions. However, he highlighted their value for patients experiencing minor ailments like a common cold, allowing for convenient access to medical advice without the need for travel or extended waiting times.
Baas advocates for the implementation of digitally supported initial assessments of medical concerns before scheduled in-person appointments. He believes this approach will streamline patient care, ensuring individuals receive prompt attention from the most appropriate healthcare providers. This system is also anticipated to benefit medical practices and Baas expressed his desire to see video consultations become a standard option within the broader German healthcare landscape.
