A proposal to reduce the frequency of doctor-patient interactions in Germany is gaining traction, supported by both the Federal Health Minister and the head of the German House of General Practitioners’ Association.
The initiative, spearheaded by Federal Health Minister Nina Warken, aims to streamline the healthcare system and address the fact that Germans frequently seek medical attention compared to citizens of other nations. While not necessarily translating to improved health outcomes, this high frequency of visits places a strain on resources, a concern amplified by the country’s aging population.
Markus Beier, Chairman of the German House of General Practitioners’ Association, voiced his approval of the Minister’s plan, attributing the current situation to the system’s inherent complexity. He explained that patients often struggle to identify the most appropriate specialist for their specific needs, contributing to an inefficient level of engagement with the healthcare network.
The proposal centers around the implementation of a primary care physician system (Primärarztsystem), where general practitioners would serve as the first point of contact for patients, directing them to specialist care as needed. Beier argues that a nationwide system of this nature would introduce much-needed structure and potentially lead to both a reduction in unnecessary visits and quicker access to appointments for those who require them. He notes that such a model is already standard practice in many other European countries.
He also highlighted the existence of a voluntary “house doctor model” currently operating within the German system, mandating that statutory health insurance funds provide a house-physician-centered care approach. Beier suggests that the government and Minister Warken should build upon this existing framework and strengthen it, as outlined in the current coalition agreement, rather than attempting to create a completely new structure, a process that he believes would be time-consuming.
