Many Doctor's Offices Stop Accepting New Patients After Regulation Change

Many medical practices are now refusing to accept new patients following the abolition of a "new patient regulation" at the beginning of the year. This change particularly affects specialist physicians, who are becoming selective about new patient intake.

Dr. Petra Sandow, a general practitioner in Berlin with 35 years of experience, explained in an interview that the regulatory shift has severe consequences for patients, especially those with chronic conditions. "There was no explanation as to why it was abolished," Sandow stated. She elaborated that taking on a new patient is labor-intensive, requiring a thorough initial assessment of medical history, allergies, and medications. Previously, this process was compensated at a higher rate, making it financially viable for practices to accept new patients.

"Now, the initial consultation for a new patient is budgeted the same as a routine check-up for long-term patients," Sandow explained. "This makes it financially challenging for practices to cover the work involved." She drew an analogy to a car mechanic only being paid up to a certain limit for repairs.

The removal of the regulation has significantly hindered access to specialist care, particularly for patients who have relocated or wish to change specialists. "If a patient has always seen the same ENT doctor, they can continue there," Sandow noted. "However, if they want to switch specialists, their chances of finding a new practice are nearly zero."

While the health ministry has introduced incentives for emergency specialist appointments within three days, Sandow indicated this merely increases the workload for administrative staff, who now spend considerably more time on the phone coordinating these urgent referrals.