Patients bracing for overcrowding in clinics due to forthcoming primary healthcare changes
The Green Party's parliamentary group spokesperson on health policy, Janosch Dahmen, voices concern regarding the potential negative consequences of the planned patient steering via general practitioners by Federal Health Minister Nina Warken (CDU). In an interview with "Die Welt" (Weekend edition), Dahmen emphasized the need to prevent a potential patient bottleneck in overburdened GP practices, especially in rural areas where GP shortages already exist.
Introducing a mandate without implementing sustainable solutions could lead to a real undersupply, Dahmen cautions, advocating for strengthening GP practices through measures like more retainer fees, increased support from independent non-medical practice staff, and a networked, digital appointment management system. Dahmen suggests that such a system should avoid turning GPs into "specialist gatekeepers and referral machines."
According to Dahmen, a smart GP steering can lead to improved quality, efficiency, and protection against medically unnecessary treatments, based on experiences from countries like Denmark and the Netherlands.
Doubts loom over the appointment guarantee mentioned in the coalition agreement, with Dahmen doubting its feasibility. While access to ambulatory clinics is essential, the question of timely care arises, with the system potentially failing to meet the political expectations.
In conclusion, a mandatory primary care system could significantly improve access and equity if properly resourced and implemented. However, addressing underlying GP shortages, especially in rural areas, is crucial to prevent worsening the crisis and undermining trust in the healthcare system. The key lies in combining mandates with robust, targeted solutions that build the workforce and support existing practitioners.
- The Green Party's parliamentary group spokesperson on health policy, Janosch Dahmen, has expressed concern about the potential negative effects of the planned patient steering via general practitioners by Federal Health Minister Nina Warken (CDU).
- Dahmen emphasized the need to avoid a potential patient bottleneck in overburdened GP practices, particularly in rural areas where GP shortages already exist.
- To address this issue, Dahmen advocates for strengthening GP practices through measures such as more retainer fees, increased support from independent non-medical practice staff, and a networked, digital appointment management system.
- Dahmen suggests that this system should aim to avoid turning GPs into "specialist gatekeepers and referral machines."
- Dahmen believes that a smart GP steering system could lead to improvements in quality, efficiency, and protection against medically unnecessary treatments, as demonstrated in countries like Denmark and the Netherlands. However, he doubts the feasibility of the appointment guarantee mentioned in the coalition agreement and raises concerns about the system potentially failing to meet political expectations regarding timely care.
