Germany's specialist wait times soar as referral fees spark outrage
Patients in Germany are facing longer waits to see specialists. In 2024, those with statutory health insurance waited an average of 42 days for an appointment—up from 33 days in 2019. Critics now blame referral fees for worsening delays and inflating costs.
The German Foundation for Patient Protection has called for urgent reform. Its CEO, Eugen Brysch, accused health minister Nina Warken of lacking the resolve to scrap referral fees. These payments, given to GPs for arranging specialist visits, have been described as a 'money-printing machine' that benefits doctors but harms patients.
Brysch also criticised how efforts to speed up specialist access have failed. Despite increased spending on open consultation hours, delays persist. He argued that service providers have undermined reforms, leaving patients stuck in longer queues.
The problem centres on financial incentives. GPs receive extra payments for each referral, creating a system where scheduling appointments becomes profitable. Brysch insists this practice must end to reduce waiting times and cut unnecessary costs.
The debate over referral fees continues as waiting times stretch beyond a month. Without policy changes, patients may keep facing delays for specialist care. Health insurers have already spent far more on open consultation hours, yet the issue remains unresolved.
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