Ärzte-Chef Gassen kritisiert Sparauflagen: „Dann wird es einen zweiten Gesundheitsmarkt geben“

Andreas Gassen is the head of the National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians and thus the top representative of more than 190,000 physicians and psychotherapists in Germany. The orthopedic surgeon knows firsthand what he's talking about when it comes to the major healthcare reform promised by the Chancellor and the Minister of Health – which he himself considers anything but a success. Because if, due to fee cuts, practices are only allowed to provide as many services as their budget allows, self-pay consultations and even longer waiting times for specialist appointments could become a reality. His conclusion in a conversation with Ralf Schuler is unequivocal: "Then there will be a second healthcare market." Gassen sums up the patients' dilemma: "You're either dead or no longer sick" if you can only get an appointment in six or nine months. Because if doctors are forced to wait six or nine months for an appointment, "you're either dead or you're no longer sick." In the interview program "Schuler! Ask what's up," Gassen explains why, in his view, the reform is not a structural concept but primarily an austerity package—one that is likely to miss its savings target nonetheless. He addresses the controversial issue of sick leave starting on the first day, waiting periods, fee reductions of up to 10 percent for certain specialist groups, and the question of why office-based physicians and psychotherapists are being unfairly burdened with the costs. Gassen also takes aim at the hospital reform. Regarding the debate about hospital locations, he states unequivocally: "Mere geographical proximity is not a quality criterion." He argues that the state governments' vigilant oversight of every hospital prevents meaningful reform—ultimately, it's not relevance that matters, but the loudness of the district administrator. Gassen also criticizes the hospital reform. Other topics include: the disrupted primary care system, the looming exodus to private health insurance, the largely useless electronic patient record, the e-prescription, increasing aggression against doctors in practices and hospitals – and finally, the question of whether Gassen would actually call in sick for himself. Gassen also discusses the state of the German healthcare system, budget cuts, bureaucracy, and the question of what will ultimately be left in terms of care. ⬇️ Missed an interview? Here are some other interesting conversations:    • Schuler! Fragen, was ist   To make sure you don't miss anything, please subscribe to the YouTube channel and turn on notifications! Are you already following us on other channels? Website: www.nius.de Instagram:   / ralf.schuler   TikTok:   / ralf.schuler   Facebook:   / drumhead.berlin   Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0zF2TKV... #fragenwasist #schuler #ralfschuler