Cash advance threatens supply

13.08.2012 13:36

The Professional Association of German Internists (BDI eV) is met with a complete lack of understanding of the demand from the National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Funds to reduce the benchmark value for remuneration for medical services from the current 3.5 cents to 3.25 cents. BDI President Dr. Wolfgang Wesiack warns the health insurance companies not to endanger the supply of the population through such radical financial cuts.

The reference point value of 3.5 cents is already too low compared to the calculation point value in the EBM of 5.11 cents. It has remained in effect since 2009, while at the same time the money has been devalued by 5.6% and the basic wage amount has increased by almost 5%. Many contracted doctors exceed their standard service volumes in terms of case numbers and services in order to be able to provide their patients with appropriate care. This means that the true average point value is well below 3.5 cents anyway. However, simply by adjusting for inflation, the original point value would now have to be at a level of at least 3.7 cents.

The health insurance companies justify their demand with alleged rationalization gains made by the practices and want to direct these into their own, currently overly full coffers. The BDI condemns this request as hostile to performance and a threat to the standard of current outpatient care.