Overview

• Under the Primärarztsystem set to launch by the Merz government, patients must first see a general practitioner before being referred to specialists, with exceptions for ophthalmology and gynecology.
• Officials project that channeling specialist access through family doctors could save up to €2 billion by 2028 by reducing redundant visits and wait times.
• The Hausärzteverband and Bundesärztekammer endorse the system as a means to improve care coordination and lighten administrative burdens in outpatient practices.
• The Spitzenverband Fachärztinnen und Fachärzte Deutschlands warns of a potential primary care bottleneck and advocates direct specialist access for chronic or episodic cases.
• If GPs cannot secure specialist appointments within designated timeframes, patients will be allowed to receive outpatient specialist treatment at hospitals.