Consumer advice center calls for better online appointments with doctors: inequalities between statutory health insurance and private patients

Consumer advice center calls for better online appointments with doctors: inequalities between statutory health insurance and private patients

According to a report by www.heise.de, the Federal Association of Consumer Organizations (vzbv) has denounced problems with booking medical appointments online. The survey showed that those with statutory health insurance are disadvantaged compared to private patients and often have difficulty getting timely appointments. In addition, selection functions on the booking portals do not always work reliably and consumers may be tempted to book self-pay appointments. Doctors sometimes refuse treatment if patients do not want to pass on their data to the online booking portal. The Federal Ministry of Health, on the other hand, does not feel responsible and, according to the ministry, private mediation platforms that are causing the trouble do not fall within their area of ​​responsibility.

These issues can have a significant impact on the market and consumers. Those with statutory health insurance could be disadvantaged compared to those with private insurance, which could lead to inequality in the healthcare system. In addition, consumers could be misled and not provided with appropriate appointments, which could impact their health care. Doctors refusing treatment due to privacy concerns could affect consumer trust in booking medical appointments online.

It is therefore important that the issues are addressed quickly and effectively to ensure that all patients have equitable access to healthcare and that booking of medical appointments is reliable and transparent. Policymakers and health authorities may need to take action to improve the functionality of booking portals and ensure that patient needs are the focus. It remains to be seen how the situation will develop and whether the necessary changes will be made to resolve the issues.