Brandenburg blocks Warken reform – 900,000 doctor's appointments at risk
Brandenburg's state government wants to stop the controversial health reform by Federal Health Minister Nina Warken (CDU) in the Bundesrat. The Brandenburg Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians fears that the planned savings could lead to the loss of up to 900,000 doctor's appointments per year. The reform primarily aims to stabilize health insurance finances but massively endangers outpatient care – with direct effects on the patient hotline 116117. The background is plans in the GKV Contribution Rate Stabilization Act to eliminate extra-budgetary remuneration for additional appointments with contracted physicians. These incentives were intended to shorten waiting times. Their abolition would significantly reduce consultation hours, especially for specialists. Impact on 116117 Critics warn that the elimination of incentives would significantly weaken 116117. Practices would have less motivation to offer short-term appointments via the hotline, leading to longer waiting times and lower referral rates. Patients would increasingly turn to overburdened practices or emergency rooms. Brandenburg's Ministry of Health supports the criticism of the medical profession and demands…
