Discussions surrounding the potential implementation of a primary care physician system for individuals with statutory health insurance have triggered proposals within the governing coalition for financial disincentives aimed at patients who bypass the planned model.
According to reports, a suggestion has emerged advocating for a fee of 200 euros for patients choosing to directly access specialist physicians rather than first consulting their primary care doctor. Albert Stegemann, deputy parliamentary group chairman of the CDU/CSU, stated the fee is a potential solution to ensure the desired direction of patient care. He indicated that such a charge would act as a mechanism to guide patients towards the intended system.
Stephan Pilsinger, CSU Member of Parliament and health policy expert, echoed the sentiment, arguing that individuals intentionally circumventing the primary care system and seeking unnecessary specialist appointments should bear the cost. He emphasized that alleviating specialists from less urgent cases is key to improving access to appointments for all patients.
However, Pilsinger explicitly rejected the implementation of a general consultation fee, expressing concern that such a measure would disproportionately affect chronically ill patients. The CSU maintains that a universally applied fee would unfairly burden those with ongoing medical needs.
