Germany Considers Price Competition Among Doctors to Enhance Cost Awareness

A new proposal suggests allowing patients to choose doctors based on pricing to address healthcare system inefficiencies.

CDU health expert Hermann Gröhe and IW researcher Jochen Pimpertz propose introducing price signals to improve cost awareness in healthcare.
The proposal includes giving patients the option to select insurance plans with varying service models and costs.
Current uniform fee structures for doctors and insurance contributions are seen as inadequate for future demographic challenges.
Pimpertz highlights the need for reform as demographic changes and inefficiencies strain the existing healthcare system.
Josef Hecken advocates for expanding general practitioner contracts to reduce unnecessary consultations and improve efficiency.