“To maintain, restore or improve health”, this is the goal of the German health care system.1 In order to strive to provide this care, Germany has a universal, multiple payer health care system which is divided into two major types of insurance: Statuary Health Insurance (SHI) and Private Health Insurance (PHI). The SHI is publically financed by independent, not for profit, non-government affiliated organizations. In addition, health insurance is compulsory for all legal residents in Germany. All citizens earning up to €48,000 per year are automatically enrolled and covered by SHI.2 Individuals whose earnings exceed the threshold for mandatory enrollment and the self-employed can choose to remain in the SHI, may opt to purchase PHI.2 The dependents
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In comparing the results from 1998 to 2009, the patient satisfaction mean rating dropped from an 88 percent to 85 percent.1 Areas that contributed to the decrease include quick relief of symptoms, knowledge of previous treatment and time in the waiting room. While there were some negative ratings, there were many ratings that increased including helpfulness of staff, access to convenient appointments and easy/available phone contact.1 In addition to the questionnaire, the level of user friendliness in the health care services is measured by the European Consumer Health Index (CHI). It is centered on a point system, assessing 38 indicators divided into six categories.1 The six categories include patient rights and information, e-health, waiting periods for treatment, health outcomes, quantitative care level and access to pharmaceuticals.1 In 2013 the European Consumer Health Index proved that Germany continues to have one of the most consumer-friendly health networks when compared to others.1 Germany’s health care system has the leading capacity in the hospital sector, therefore increasing access and decreasing wait time. Germany also leads in access to pharmaceuticals, due to their extensive benefits for medical aids and pharmaceuticals at low costs.1 Germany’s health care system is dependent upon the distribution of responsibility between the government, states and self-regulated payers and providers and the differences of SHI and PHI.2 Together these components allow for a limitation free, citizen-focused health care system which is able to meet the needs of all
In comparing the results from 1998 to 2009, the patient satisfaction mean rating dropped from an 88 percent to 85 percent.1 Areas that contributed to the decrease include quick relief of symptoms, knowledge of previous treatment and time in the waiting room. While there were some negative ratings, there were many ratings that increased including helpfulness of staff, access to convenient appointments and easy/available phone contact.1 In addition to the questionnaire, the level of user friendliness in the health care services is measured by the European Consumer Health Index (CHI). It is centered on a point system, assessing 38 indicators divided into six categories.1 The six categories include patient rights and information, e-health, waiting periods for treatment, health outcomes, quantitative care level and access to pharmaceuticals.1 In 2013 the European Consumer Health Index proved that Germany continues to have one of the most consumer-friendly health networks when compared to others.1 Germany’s health care system has the leading capacity in the hospital sector, therefore increasing access and decreasing wait time. Germany also leads in access to pharmaceuticals, due to their extensive benefits for medical aids and pharmaceuticals at low costs.1 Germany’s health care system is dependent upon the distribution of responsibility between the government, states and self-regulated payers and providers and the differences of SHI and PHI.2 Together these components allow for a limitation free, citizen-focused health care system which is able to meet the needs of all