Specialist appointment within 4 weeks
I know it myself enough, one would like to see a specialist, has also a referral from the family doctor and should then possibly wait up to 6 months on an appointment with the specialist. I experienced this when I wanted to make an appointment with a rheumatologist.
Appointment service points of the Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians are to help in urgent cases that patients do not have to wait longer than 4 weeks for an appointment with the specialist. Since 04/2017 this also applies to psychotherapists.
If this type of appointment is used by the patient, the treating physician who makes the transfer must state an urgent note on the referral.
There is no entitlement to the appointment of the specialist in the appointment. Therefore, it makes sense to get in touch with the "desired practice" in order to get into the desired practice under certain circumstances.
The specialist who is given to the patient must be within a reasonable distance of the patient. Here it is valid that the specialist is attainable within 45 minutes for the patient, whether with own car or public transport.
There are also exceptions to this "specialist regulation"! Exceptions are children's, home, eye and dentists, as well as orthodontists.
Personally, I have had good experiences with this regulation, except for my rheumatologist, unfortunately.
I find it important when appointing the specialist that you have fairness and cancel appointments if you can not perceive them. Another patient may be waiting urgently for a free appointment! It is certainly possible to arrange a new appointment in a timely manner.
Of course, it's best if you do not need a family doctor or a specialist.
Health is the most important thing for me and for that reason I wish everyone on FM a good and stable health situation !!
