Impact of Practice Charge on Physician Visits in Germany
Author Information
Author(s): Rückert Ina-Maria, Böcken Jan, Mielck Andreas
Primary Institution: Helmholtz Zentrum Muenchen – German Research Center for Environmental Health
Hypothesis
Patients who are socio-economically disadvantaged will delay or even avoid physician visits to a larger extent than patients with more favourable socio-economic backgrounds.
Conclusion
The study indicates that the practice charge affects health care utilization differently across socio-economic groups, potentially increasing health inequalities.
Supporting Evidence
- 26.71% of participants delayed a physician visit due to the fee.
- 18.02% avoided a physician visit altogether.
- Those in the lowest income group reported delaying or avoiding visits 2.45 times more often than those in the highest income group.
Takeaway
Younger and poorer people are more likely to skip doctor visits because of a new fee in Germany.
Methodology
The study analyzed data from six representative surveys of the Bertelsmann Healthcare Monitor conducted between 2004 and 2006, focusing on responses from 7,769 adults aged 18 to 79.
Potential Biases
The study may not fully account for other factors influencing patients' decisions to seek medical care.
Limitations
The study could not assess if a person was exempt from the physician fee during the survey period, and the need to see a physician was only assessed in a crude way.
Participant Demographics
Participants were aged 18 to 79, with a mix of genders and socio-economic backgrounds, including those with and without chronic diseases.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.0001
Confidence Interval
95% CI: 1.90–3.15
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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