Doctors reject blanket specialist appointment guarantee, propose urgent-case only system
The association of statutory health physicians refused a universal guarantee for specialist appointments, arguing a lack of capacity, and suggested faster access only for medically urgent cases with appropriate compensation.
The Kassenärzte association, led by Andreas Gassen, rejected the government's plan to mandate a universal guarantee for specialist appointments, saying there are no available capacities to fulfill such a promise. Gassen suggested a limited fast-track for objectively urgent medical cases, which could be arranged within a week if doctors receive a specific remuneration for those slots. He noted that referrals from primary physicians or the 116 117 medical on-call service could certify urgency.
The SPD has made the passage of a new primary-care law contingent on securing a specialist-appointment guarantee, arguing that private-insurance holders currently enjoy preferential scheduling. SPD leader Bärbel Bas recently emphasized opposition to any waiting-day penalties or cuts to wage continuation, while parliamentary leader Matthias Miersch mentioned a three-week timeframe in discussions. Gassen also sarcastically urged politicians to guarantee pleasant weather alongside health measures.
Why it matters
Specialist appointment rules affect access to care for millions of insured patients and shape future health-policy reforms.
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