Health - Statutory health insurance physicians welcome sick notes by phone
The Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians in Saxony-Anhalt has welcomed the fact that sick notes can be issued by telephone again in future. "This is good and important news for patients and practices," explained Jörg Böhme, Chairman of the Board. "There is a shortage of doctors, and doctors' time is becoming an increasingly important resource. Telephone sick notes are a win-win situation for both sides: Patients don't have to leave the comfort of their own home and therefore reduce the risk of infection in the practice waiting room. The practice team is relieved and there is more time for other patients."
From now on, patients will be able to take sick leave from their doctor's surgery by telephone under certain conditions. The regulation applies with immediate effect, as announced by the Joint Federal Committee of doctors, health insurance companies and clinics based in Berlin on Thursday.
According to the information provided, the regulation applies to patients who are known to the respective doctor's practice and do not have any severe symptoms. Another prerequisite is that video consultations are not possible. Doctors can then issue a certificate of incapacity to work for a maximum of five days.
Website of the Federal Joint Committee
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- In response to this new policy, doctors in Berlin, including Jörg Böhme, the Chairman of the Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians in Magdeburg, are expected to handle an increased number of sick leave requests over the phone due to the ease it provides for patients and the reduction in risk of infection in their waiting rooms.
- Amidst the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic, sick leave requests in Germany are becoming more frequent, and the new policy in Saxony-Anhalt is expected to alleviate the burden on hospitals and clinics by reducing the number of patients physically visiting doctors' surgeries.
- Jörg Böhme, a prominent figure in Germany's healthcare sector, has emphasized the importance of this policy change for both patients and doctors, as many doctors in the country are currently on sick leave due to the demanding workload and the risk of contracting diseases like the Coronavirus in the workplace.
- Despite the new policy, it is important to note that sick leave certificates issued by telephone can only be granted for a maximum of five days, and patients with severe symptoms or who require video consultations will still need to attend their doctor's surgery in person.
- The new policy highlights Germany's commitment to improving access to healthcare during the pandemic, and advocates for a more flexible approach to sick leave requests, in line with the country's robust healthcare system and association of statutory health insurance physicians.
Source: www.stern.de
