Overview

• KBV chief Andreas Gassen proposed an annual 'Facharzttarif' that would let insured patients see specialists without a referral or digital triage.
• The suggested fee range is about €200 to €350 per year, according to comments published by Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland.
• Germany’s Union–SPD coalition plans a binding primary-care gatekeeping model in which GPs coordinate referrals and guarantee timely specialist appointments.
• Gassen argued gatekeeping suits older and chronically ill patients but is unnecessary for many younger people who prefer direct access.
• Health Minister Nina Warken said models such as charges for direct treatment will be considered, as reported by dpa and partner outlets.