As missed medical appointments continue to burden Germany’s healthcare system, pediatrician Jakob Maske is advocating for a fine of up to 100 euros for patients who fail to show up for scheduled visits. With up to 20% of appointments going unattended, Maske argues that missed appointments take away critical time from other patients in need of care. The fine would be based on the length of the scheduled appointment, aiming to raise awareness and discourage no-shows. The call for a penalty follows a broader discussion within the medical community about how to address the growing issue. Andreas Gassen, head of the National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians KBV, supports a similar fee, arguing that it has become a common practice in many industries like hospitality. However, Gassen suggests that health insurers, rather than patients themselves, should cover the fine.
In response to the growing number of missed appointments, coalition negotiators have proposed a new system to streamline healthcare access. Under this plan, patients would need referrals from their general practitioner GP before seeing a specialist, a move intended to reduce wait times and improve care efficiency.