Germany's Healthcare System Faces Criticism Over Unequal Access to Doctor Appointments

Debate intensifies over long wait times for publicly insured patients, with accusations of favoritism toward private insurance holders.

Publicly insured patients in Germany often face significantly longer wait times for specialist appointments compared to privately insured individuals, sparking widespread criticism.
The Deutsche Stiftung Patientenschutz accuses some doctors of prioritizing private patients for financial reasons, a practice they claim lacks transparency and oversight.
SPD proposes a 'term guarantee' to address disparities, promising reduced insurance contributions if appointment deadlines are missed, but critics, including the KBV, dismiss the idea as impractical and populist.
The Kassenärztliche Bundesvereinigung defends the current system, arguing that wait times are reasonable in international comparison and that emergencies are handled promptly.
Advocates for reform highlight the growing strain on healthcare access in rural areas and the need for better regulation to ensure equitable treatment for all patients.