German Health Minister Karl Lauterbach has unveiled ambitious reform plans in the healthcare sector, aiming to address a range of challenges such as a shortage of doctors, excess hospital beds, financial strains, and poor digitalization. These plans, described as a “Zeitenwende” (turning of the times) by Lauterbach, have garnered mixed reviews.
One major reform involves changes to hospital financing, moving away from per-treatment payments to a structure based on guaranteed income for services provided. This is intended to improve care standards, reduce unnecessary hospital stays, and ensure patients receive appropriate treatments. Another goal is to increase accessibility to medical services in rural areas by incentivizing clinics with additional funds.
However, critics remain skeptical, citing concerns about the lack of comprehensive outpatient and emergency care reforms, as well as potential challenges in attracting doctors to rural regions. Despite some positive changes like removing payment caps for general practitioners, there are calls for further improvements to address systemic issues and enhance patient care.
In addition to these major reforms, Lauterbach has introduced minor changes such as digital medical records, teleconsultations, and longer prescription durations for chronic conditions. The new Krankenhaus-Atlas provides patients with information to make informed choices about hospitals based on treatment options and staff levels.