Automatic Patient Transfers Urged for New Doctor Assignments

A significant healthcare challenge persists in Slovenia, with over 136,000 insured individuals lacking a personal doctor as of the end of April. This figure underscores a long-standing problem characterized by lengthy queues outside health centers, where patients wait for hours to register with doctors who are newly accepting patients.

In response to this critical situation, the Assembly of the Health Insurance Institute of Slovenia (ZZZS) has issued a call to the Ministry of Health. They are urging the ministry to enact legislation that would allow for the automatic transfer of patients. Additionally, the ZZZS proposes that a patient's health status be prioritized when selecting a healthcare provider, aiming to ensure those most in need receive timely care.

The ZZZS Assembly is also pushing for an increase in capitation rates, a key funding mechanism for primary care physicians. However, this proposal is met with reservations from the Fides doctors' union, indicating potential disagreements on how to best address the financial aspects of healthcare provision and physician compensation.