Lack of doctors in Austria: Patients are partially rejected!

Lack of doctors in Austria: Patients are partially rejected!

Wels, Österreich - In Austria, the lack of doctors becomes increasingly clear. According to a current report by the Chamber of Labor (AK) Upper Austria, this problem is particularly evident in general medicine. One example is a 58-year-old man from the Wels district, who was rejected by several doctors despite severe symptoms such as high fever, chills and body aches. Only from the fourth doctor did he finally get an appointment, but had to take a 30-minute drive. This case illustrates the difficulties of many Austrians to find a treating doctor, even if they are usually not seriously ill. The man described that he previously only knew medical practices from the outside and never needed intensive medical care. AK President Andreas Stangl underlined the alarming situation: In April, 47 doctor's offices were vacant in Upper Austria, including 31 general practitioners. Stangl also emphasized the essential importance of secure medical care and the associated legal claims, which are particularly relevant in the event of sick leave.

The problems in the Austrian health system are not only limited locally. The general situation in Austria shows a drastic decline in health insurance: inside in recent years, while the number of patients: inside is continuously increasing. Around 300 treasurer is currently vacant across Austria, including 182 in general medicine. As a result, more and more people have no family doctor near you. The report from [unions online] points out that the number of health insurance documents: only 1 % on the inside has risen from 2000 to the present, although the population has grown by 17 % in the same period. In 2000 there were 8,203 health insurance doctors, now only 8,300. Specifications such as pediatrics and gynecology are particularly affected.

The effects of the doctor's shortage

Between 2017 and 2023 the number of cash registers near surgeon: inside 16 and at dermatologist: Inside 79. A particularly disturbing relationship can be seen in dermatology: On average, 36,634 inhabitants come to a dermatologist: inside, which significantly restricts accessibility for patients. The increasing need for medical care means that the proportion of election medical doctors: inside 58 % in 2017 was increased to 71 % in 2023. The majority of the patients are increasingly going to election doctors because the health insurance doctors are often overloaded inside and can only raise limited time for the patients.

According to the opinions of doctors, the time they have per patient is far too short. Treasurer: Inside, an average of 100 to 120 patients currently look after: inside a day and have to make do with a consultation time of only about 5 to 7 minutes. This period of time is often not sufficient to ensure comprehensive and high -quality care, while 20 minutes per patient: in actually necessary. The overloaded doctors complain about the need to treat as many patients as possible in order to take financial aspects into account, which results in an increase in the workload in the meantime.