New primary doctor system: family doctor becomes a duty for all patients!

New primary doctor system: family doctor becomes a duty for all patients!

The Federal Government plans to fundamentally reform the health system in Germany by introducing a mandatory primary doctor system. According to ruHR24.de in the future must first consult their family doctor before they can consult a specialist. This reform aims to use medical resources more effectively and reduce the healthcare costs.

The free choice of the specialist is abolished, with exceptions to ophthalmology and gynecology. Federal Minister of Health Nina Warken (CDU) has promised that patients will benefit from a precise diagnosis and treatment. Unnecessary examinations are to be reduced and specialists are to be relieved. Patients should also be able to get an appointment from the specialist faster; If you have any difficulties, you can visit a specialist in the hospital.

Details on the primary medicine system

The course of the primary doctor system is clearly structured: patients contact their family doctor in the event of complaints, who then decides on the need for a specialist date. The family doctor selects the corresponding specialist and sets a time corridor for the appointment. If this appointment is not met in time, it is possible to consult a specialist in the hospital, such as WDR supplemented.

The reactions from the medical profession are mixed. Klaus Reinhardt, President of the Federal Medical Association, sees the system as useful for more efficiency. The general practitioner association, on the other hand, is optimistic about the expected relief effects. In contrast to this, Andreas Gassen, Chairman of the National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians, argues that the system is of use, especially for older patients, and criticizes the introduction as not sensible for all age groups.

Special regulations for chronically ill

Special regulations are provided for chronically ill patients, including annual transfers and the option of visiting specialists directly. The coalition agreement between the Union and the SPD, in which the introduction of the primary doctor system has been agreed, provides solutions to avoid frequent visits to family doctor. According to Spiegel are currently chronically ill, which is the need for such regulations underlined.

Nevertheless, the planned reform in the population is viewed skeptically. Studies show that about two thirds of the respondents do not believe in improving patient care or reducing costs by the primary doctor system. Eugen Brysch, board member of the German Foundation for Patient Protection, has also critically commented and criticized that general practitioners have to look after additional patients, while many practices have already rejected new patients.

The specific design of the primary doctor system and the schedule for implementation are discussed at the German Medical Day in Leipzig. The experts and politics observe the developments with interest, while implementation raises questions about security of supply in the German health system.