Encouraging specialized medical consultations through incentives
The German government is considering a new healthcare system aimed at facilitating more targeted access to specialist appointments, with a focus on general practitioners (GPs). According to the coalition agreement between the Union and the SPD, the proposed system aims to introduce a binding system where patients primarily visit a GP before being referred to specialists.
Nicola Buhlinger-Goepfarth, co-chair of the Association of General Practitioners, supports this initiative. She believes that the wheel doesn't need to be reinvented and refers to existing GP programs with health insurers. Older, chronically ill individuals could particularly benefit from this proposed model, as they often require more coordinated care and frequent appointments.
Markus Beier, the other co-chair of the Association of General Practitioners, agrees with this sentiment. He notes that the effects of demographic change are already noticeable in practices, as older individuals tend to have more chronic illnesses and thus require more doctor's appointments.
The system's details, including potential financial incentives for GP visits and specialist referrals, are yet to be discussed. However, the system is expected to involve further digitalization to streamline the process and ensure efficient patient care.
Eugen Brysch, the chairman of the German Foundation for Patient Protection and a professional patient rights advocate, emphasizes the importance of ensuring that the system's success depends on ensuring that GPs have the necessary resources and infrastructure to handle an increased patient load. This includes the potential need for more staff and technology to manage the increased demand.
If the system fails in a practice, patients should still be able to see a specialist or be treated in a hospital. Pharmacies are expected to play a larger role in the new healthcare system, potentially providing additional support to GPs and patients.
The implementation of the system cannot be introduced immediately, as it requires ensuring the structures are in place to prevent GPs from becoming a bottleneck. The Association of General Practitioners has expressed its support for the coalition plans, with the ultimate goal of preventing patients from being deterred from seeking medical help. The proposed system also guarantees a certain time frame for specialist appointments, ensuring that patients receive timely care.
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