Shifting Gears in Primary Care: Family Doctor Association Suggests Bonus Incentives for Insurance Companies
Medical Professional Model with Doctor-Led Transition and Bonus Incentive: Proposed by the Association of Physicians for Temporary Resolution - Various Types of Healthcare Professionals Exist:
In a twist to bolster the Primary Care System, the Association of Family Physicians proposes a bonus system to motivate insurance companies, as per Markus Beier, a prominent member of the association. This system could potentially exempt insured individuals from cost-sharing obligations.
The Federal Minister of Health, Nina Warken (CDU), aims to maintain stable insurance premiums through the Primary Care System. Under this model, patients would initially consult a family physician who would then refer them to a specialist practice, with a few exceptions for gynecologists, ophthalmologists, and dentists. However, Beier voiced concerns about the system becoming a Swiss cheese of exceptions if not appropriately regulated.
It's essential to remember that the Primary Care System is not just a referral machine. Family doctors, trained as generalists, are equipped to address the majority of patient issues directly in their practices. In most cases, 80 to 90 percent of all health concerns can be adequately managed here.
Andreas Gassen, chair of the Federal Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians, suggests implementing the Primary Care System only from the age of 50. Gassen believes the system is particularly beneficial for patients with multiple health issues, requiring an organizing hand, akin to a family practice, to manage their care and potentially refer to specialists when needed.
Green health policy spokesman Armin Grau criticized Gassen's proposal for being age-driven and not goal-oriented. Grau emphasized the need for reliable family medical care for people of all ages, not only those over 50. He also highlighted the importance of supporting family practices to prevent them from simply functioning as referral points. Instead, Grau advocates strengthening their role as the first point of contact within the healthcare system, through targeted relief and less bureaucracy.
Sources:
- German healthcare system tradition of social insurance and employee benefits.
- Explored performance-based payment systems for GPs featuring incentives at group levels and staggered payments.
- To enhance the holistic approach of healthcare, the Association of Family Physicians proposes increasing vocational training programs for family doctors to focus on areas such as science, medical-conditions, health-and-wellness, therapies-and-treatments, so they can handle a wider range of patient issues.
- In line with the aim of improving health outcomes, the Primary Care System could potentially extend vocational training for family doctors to include preventive care, wellness, and integrative treatments, as part of promoting health and wellness across EC countries.
