Doctors' president warns of "supply shortage"

President of the German Medical Association Klaus Reinhardt warns of adverse effects on the medical network for patients without rapid reforms for more efficiency. "Our healthcare system is heading towards an unchecked supply shortage if we do not take decisive countermeasures," the head of the German Medical Association told the German Press Agency. An important starting point would be better management of care. "It should become the norm for patients to register with a GP practice, which then takes over the coordination of further treatment."

More efficient care is also an important topic at the German Medical Conference, which begins this Tuesday in Leipzig. The new Federal Minister of Health, Nina Warken (CDU), is expected to attend.

Almost ten contacts with doctors per capita per year

Reinhardt explained that in Germany, patients are largely left alone with the organization and coordination of their care due to the system. "The most vulnerable are particularly affected: older people, the chronically ill, people with lower health literacy." With 9.6 doctor contacts per capita per year, Germany has one of the highest rates in the world. In certain regions, every second person has two GPs on average.

"This development is not only inefficient, it is simply no longer sustainable in view of staff shortages and limited financial resources," said the President of the Medical Association. In this context, the measures outlined in the coalition agreement point in the right direction. The CDU/CSU and SPD want to introduce a system whereby patients primarily go to a GP practice, which will refer them - with an appointment within a certain period of time - to specialists if necessary.

No "access control" to care

Reinhardt said: "A referral by GPs must not be gatekeeping, i.e. access control, to the system." It should only take place if further specialist treatment is necessary or foreseeable. In the future, the principle of "digital before outpatient before inpatient" should be used to support and guide patients on their path to care. This means first an assessment and consultation via digital channels, then care in surgeries and, if necessary, in clinics.

The President of the Medical Council also pointed out the general pressure to act. "People are getting older and their medical needs are increasing. At the same time, more and more specialists are leaving the system due to their age - without enough new blood coming in."