German clinics have started imposing fines on patients who book doctor appointments but fail to show up without prior notice. In some institutions, the fine can reach up to 100 euros.
According to Dr. Uwe Kraffel, chairman of the German Association of Specialist Doctors, the most frequent no-shows are people who “lack punctuality and have a lot of free time.” He notes that many patients simply forget about their appointments or ignore them without a valid reason.
The issue is exacerbated by the already overburdened German healthcare system. According to the Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians, up to 20% of appointments are canceled without notice, while in the public booking system, up to a third of patients fail to attend their scheduled visits. This results in long waiting lists and overcrowded waiting rooms.
Experts believe that introducing fines will help reduce waiting times and improve patient discipline.
