Germany's Bundesrat Calls for Action on Healthcare Appointment Inequalities

Resolution urges federal investigation into disparities between publicly and privately insured patients as stakeholders clash over solutions.

Lower Saxony's initiative led to a Bundesrat resolution calling for a federal review of appointment allocation disparities in Germany's healthcare system.
Doctors' associations argue that structural issues, not private patients, are the root cause of delays, opposing quotas and financial incentives.
Health insurance representatives highlight discrimination against publicly insured patients and advocate for digital systems ensuring equal access.
Public dissatisfaction remains high, with 31% of publicly insured patients in a 2024 survey finding specialist appointment waiting times excessively long.
The average waiting time for specialist appointments in 2023 was 12 days, but varied significantly by specialty, with some waits exceeding 26 days.