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For the first time, according to the National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians, more female general practitioners than general practitioners are working in Germany's practices
Photo: Mareen Fischinger / Westend61 / IMAGO
Finding a family doctor is no longer easy in some regions. A ray of hope that the number of general practitioners' practices is no longer falling for the first time in several years, as shown by data from the National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians (KBV). According to the Federal Medical Register, as of December 31, 2023, there were 51,389 general practitioners, 75 more than at the end of 2022. Ten years earlier, however, there were still 52,262 general practitioners.
Overall, the number of doctors in practices has actually increased. At the end of last year, there were 187,441 doctors and psychotherapists licensed to care for those with statutory health insurance. 2143 more than at the end of 2022.
However, many work part-time, more than 60,000 for the first time, according to the KBV. Against this background, the resource of time remains scarce.
The average age is 54.1 years. In 2001 he was just under 50 years old. The highest average age for medical psychotherapists is currently around 60 years, while for general practitioners it is around 55 years.
For the first time, the KBV counted more female general practitioners than general practitioners; women now make up 50.5 percent. Across all specialist areas, women are in the majority at 51.5 percent.
KBV: Need appropriate structures for family and specialist practices
Federal Health Minister Karl Lauterbach made it clear that a dense network of general practitioners' practices is not guaranteed in the long term. In many rural areas and in poorer districts it will not be possible to find a family doctor in the future. To counteract this, a law should create better working conditions. Among other things, upper remuneration limits (budgets) for general practitioners should be eliminated. In regions with many socially disadvantaged people, health kiosks are to be created as easily accessible advice centers for treatment and prevention.
KBV boss Andreas Gassen said: "We don't need light care in so-called health kiosks, but rather appropriate structures for general practitioners and specialist practices." KBV vice-president Stephan Hofmeister explained that, in principle, a branch with a practice is a good option for being self-employed to work and also to combine family and career. Nevertheless, the danger of the supply “bleeding out” has not been averted. Given the current poor conditions, it may be difficult to attract young colleagues. These included excessive bureaucracy and non-functioning digitalization.
wbr/dpa