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PKV studies health care in Germany best in Europe
Long waiting times for a specialist appointment, overcrowded hospitals, rejected therapies: Many Germans often express themselves very negatively about the German health care system. However, a new study by the Association of Private Health Insurance (PKV) concludes that health care is the best in Europe in this country.
Health system better than its reputation
The German health system does not necessarily have the best reputation. For example, a study by the Techniker Krankenkasse (TK) showed that almost one in four patients suspected that they had been mistreated in a doctor's office. The long waiting times for a specialist appointment are often criticized. But despite all criticism, German health care is the best in Europe, according to a recent study.
Many Germans complain about long waiting times at the doctor and other supposed grievances in the German health care system. But health care in Germany is the best in Europe according to a new study. (Image: RioPatuca Images / fotolia.com) German health care is European top
According to a new study by the Association of Private Health Insurance (PKV), health care in Germany is at the top in Europe.
The study of the Scientific Institute of Private Health (WIP) shows that in this country all citizens in comparison to other European countries have a very good access to medical services.
According to a statement from the institute, 76 percent of German patients receive a doctor's appointment on the same or the next day. "With this result, Germany ranks first among all the countries surveyed," says the WIP.
According to the information, these rates are often lower in countries compared to Germany. For example, 63% in the Netherlands, 58% in Sweden and 57% in France.
No long waiting times for a specialist appointment
In Germany, only three percent of respondents would have to wait two months or longer for an appointment with the specialist. According to the study, in the Netherlands it is seven percent, in Switzerland nine percent and in Norway 28 percent.
"In summary, international comparative studies, administrative data and survey results show that waiting periods in Germany play a subordinate role," says the study in an interim conclusion.
And further: "From the OECD's point of view, too, the waiting-time debate in Germany is rather insignificant with regard to the situation in other countries: Germany leads a phantom debate on waiting times in an international comparison."
Fast access to innovative medicines
In addition, patients have nowhere else in Europe such rapid access to innovative medicines.
From licensing to market launch in this country pass only 3.5 months, while in the Netherlands 5.8 and in Spain even almost 16 months.
Another special feature is the great freedom of choice and therapy in the German health system. Patients in Germany have direct access to the specialist of their choice. This is excluded in the majority of other European countries.
And: "Other access barriers, such as high compulsory co-payments for medical treatment, are widespread outside Germany," says the statement.
Treatments abroad
As an indication of patient satisfaction with their healthcare system, treatments abroad are considered.
According to the information, the willingness to travel abroad varies considerably by European standards.
In the Netherlands, it is the highest with 66 percent of respondents and lowest in Germany with eleven percent. (Ad)