German physicians chief proposes private-pay priority for specialist appointments amid fee cuts

Andreas Gassen, head of the National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians, warns that planned fee cuts will push practices to favor private patients, proposing that statutory-insured patients pay out-of-pocket for faster specialist appointments. Health insurers and the Social Association reacted with outrage, signaling a political clash over healthcare access and funding. The proposal is not yet policy, but it highlights growing strain on Germany's public healthcare system.

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