In order to better manage patient care, Federal Health Minister Nina Warken (CDU) intends to introduce a primary care system. “We must make better use of doctors’ available time. To achieve that, we need more control within the system” she told Handelsblatt (Thursday edition).
To enforce the system, Warken also keeps financial control instruments in mind. “But we will probably need a control element when patients do not follow the prescribed path-for example, a fee if patients come to a practice without a referral, or a bonus if they do” she said.
The ministry plans to submit a draft bill still this year. “We are currently developing the concept for a primary care system together with stakeholders from the healthcare sector and will present a draft in the summer” Warken said. The reform should unfold gradually alongside the digitalisation strategy. “That way, the system can be adjusted step by step – 2028 will bring the first noticeable changes for patients”.
