Prepayment plans Many doctors' practices would have to close

Plans to pay in advance at a doctor's visit: Around 25 percent of doctors' offices would have to close, if the favored by Federal Minister of Health Philipp Rösler cost reimbursement model is introduced.

The advance payment planned by Federal Health Minister Philipp Rösler (FDP) at the doctor's visit could result in the closure of around 25 percent of doctors' surgeries. Nevertheless, the Kassenärztliche Bundesvereinigung (KBV) is in favor of introducing the new reimbursement model.

About 25 percent of doctors' offices will have to close.
Andreas Köhler, head of the KBV explained in an interview with the „Rheinische Post“: „I assume that with comprehensive reimbursement the number of medical practices will be reduced by around 25 percent. "For if the insured cover the costs of their treatment first and then get reimbursed, part of the cost control is also in their own hands According to Köhler, doctor visits are expected to decrease by about 20 to 25 percent, which in the long run would require around 25 percent of doctors' surgeries to close down their accounts, which will sharpen competition among physicians.

Increased competitive pressure to increase efficiency.
Nevertheless, the KBV boss pleads for the model of reimbursement, because „So far, the cost control is always on the doctor.“ He „However, it is necessary for the insured to assume responsibility“, explained Köhler. With the comprehensive reimbursement of costs, the insured persons are better aware of the costs of their treatment, which strengthens the competition among physicians and „if the number of visits to the doctor is reduced, the doctors must promote their insured more.“ In Köhler's view, this increase in competitive pressure is also a constructive element for increasing efficiency in the healthcare system. The seventeen Kassenärztliche associations in Germany have 153 895 members, 137,416 physicians and 16,479 psychological psychotherapists and child and adolescent psychotherapists.

The statutory health insurance refuse payment in advance model.
The initiative of the Federal Minister of Health Philipp Rösler, however, met with the statutory insurance on massive resistance, as they fear a significant administrative overhead and can see no real improvement in the situation for patients. In addition, the patients attach great importance to nationwide care, although it must be questioned whether this can still be guaranteed with 25 percent less medical practices. The chairman of the board of the statutory association for health insurance, Doris Pfeiffer, goes further in her criticism. „The hope that reimbursement will lead to lower costs is an illusion, "she recently said in an interview with the Frankfurter Rundschau (FR). Pfeiffer added that KBV's arguments are not surprising „the doctors (themselves) hope to avoid all control instruments. People in emergencies can of course be easier persuaded to pay unnecessary benefits, as the health insurance in negotiations at eye level.“ In addition, the model also poses some risks to physicians, as they bear the sole risk of patients not paying their treatment costs. (fp, 11.10.2010)

Also read:
Health insurance against payment in advance at the doctor
Nationwide uniform doctor fees?
CSU criticism of reimbursement: Rösler fights back
Doctors are in favor of reimbursement
Rösler plans payment in advance at the doctor's visit

Picture: Günther Richter