Saxony Doctors Warn of Long Waits and Crowded Practices Under Coalition Plans

Physicians in Saxony are sounding the alarm over coalition plans to abolish the telephone-based sick note, warning of catastrophic consequences for medical practices and patients alike. Torben Ostendorf, chairman of the Saxon Association of General Practitioners, described the move as "catastrophic for practices," anticipating a massive increase in workload.

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Catastrophic for practices.

The core concern is that every sick note will require an in-person doctor-patient contact. This poses a particular risk during cold and flu seasons, as many patients seeking a note will have infectious conditions like colds or gastrointestinal illnesses. Ostendorf fears this will lead to "people who have infectious diseases, who are out and about during a cold wave, who have stomach bugs or similar."

Furthermore, the abolition of phone-based sick notes is expected to create significant hurdles for residents in underserved or poorly supplied regions of Saxony. These individuals may have to travel considerable distances, with Ostendorf citing an example of someone in Vogtland potentially needing to drive 35 kilometers to a general practice just to obtain a written note.

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And often, these are people who have infectious diseases, who are out and about during a cold wave, who have stomach bugs or similar.

While digital transmission of sick notes to health insurance providers is possible, the coalition's plan mandates a personal visit to the practice. Doctors argue this is outdated, especially considering the need to avoid unnecessary emissions in the context of climate change. Regions like Torgau, Riesa, and Werdau, along with large parts of eastern and southern Saxony, are already identified as areas with potential or existing undersupply of medical services, making the new requirement particularly burdensome.

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There, one might have to drive 35 kilometers in the Vogtland to pick up a piece of paper.