Germans rely on their family doctor

Almost 40% of patients have sought opinions from multiple specialists

GPs are typically the first port of call for the vast majority of Germans when they are ill. That is one of the findings of the 2011 healthcare study carried out by Produkt + Markt. 70% of patients always visit their GP in the first instance when health problems arise, while a further 24% have a regular GP whom they consult first in almost all cases. 6% of Germans have no family GP, instead choosing to see a specialist doctor or general practitioner depending on the individual situation. 

Many people take the opportunity to obtain a second opinion or change their specialist during the course of an acute or chronic illness. Around 40% of all patients say they have consulted multiple specialists when they were ill to ensure they had been given the right diagnosis and treatment or to obtain information about alternative options. 

In 44% of cases, the patients themselves decide whether to see another specialist. This figure is almost exactly matched by the number of secondary consultations that take place on the recommendation of the doctor providing treatment, who refers the patient to a colleague. 

As part of its 2011 healthcare study, Produkt + Markt carried out a representative survey in September 2011 in which 600 German citizens were questioned about healthy lifestyles, attitudes to health, health insurance and their role as patients. Extracts from the study are published weekly on www.produktundmarkt.de. 

Your contact at Produkt + Markt:
Christoph Fritsch
Tel.: +49 5407/885131
mailto: Cfritsch@ProduktundMarkt.de



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