Overview

• Doctors in Germany are advocating for financial penalties of up to 100 euros for patients who miss medical appointments without notice, citing a 10-20% no-show rate.
• The Kassenärztliche Bundesvereinigung (KBV) suggests fees of 10-20 euros for shorter appointments and up to 100 euros for longer ones, with some proposing that insurers cover these costs.
• Health Minister Karl Lauterbach opposes the proposal, calling it ineffective and unfair, while consumer advocacy groups share similar criticisms.
• Ongoing coalition negotiations between the Union and SPD include discussions on a primary care system to streamline access to specialists and reduce wait times.
• Legal and practical barriers, including past court rulings limiting enforcement of such penalties, continue to complicate the implementation of missed appointment fees.