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Medical Practitioner Overburdened with Patients Deserves Penalty

Overburdened Physician May Face Consequences for Managing an Excessive Patient Load

Medical Professional Overstepping Boundaries by Having an Excessive Number of Patients Deserves...
Medical Professional Overstepping Boundaries by Having an Excessive Number of Patients Deserves Judicial Action

Medical Professional Oversteps Boundaries, Overloaded with Patients Deserving Disciplinary Action - Medical Practitioner Overburdened with Patients Deserves Penalty

In the picturesque town of Weener, Leer district, dermatologist Bernd Brinker finds himself at the centre of a contentious issue. The Lower Saxony Audit Office in Hanover has demanded that Brinker pay a five-figure sum for allegedly working inefficiently, due to his high prescription rate.

Brinker, who treats almost 3,000 patients per quarter, has been accused of having 60% more prescriptions than the specialty average. This recoupment threat, which amounts to 30,000 euros for 2023 alone, has raised concerns about the operational economic situation of his practice.

The Medical Association of Lower Saxony (KVN), based in Lower Saxony, has criticized medication recoupments and advocated for their elimination. The KVN offers advice and support to its members if they face recoupment threats due to being above 50% of the specialty average.

Brinker, however, suggests that if the current recoupment demands are realized, he would prescribe significantly less and refer patients to clinics for expensive medications. This shift in costs could potentially increase, according to Brinker, who states that the recoupment demands for 2024 and 2025 could be significantly higher than the current amount.

The KVN is critical of the recoupment threats for dermatologists like Brinker in East Frisia, where there are few dermatological practices. Brinker treats twice as many patients as comparable practices in the area, which could provide reasons for the disproportionately many prescriptions.

The spokesperson of the medical association of Lower Saxony, who voiced opposition against medication recoupments, is not identified in the available search results.

Dermatologist Brinker, who practices in Weener, Leer district, expresses concern about the potential impact on his practice due to the recoupment demands. He emphasizes that he doesn't want to turn away patients and treats as many as possible to keep them from clinics.

This news has sparked a debate among medical professionals and policymakers in Lower Saxony, with calls for a re-evaluation of the recoupment system for contract doctors. Whether Brinker will challenge the demand remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the issue of medication recoupments and their impact on healthcare provision in Lower Saxony continues to be a topic of great interest and concern.

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