Berlin. The German Pain Society (DGS) has sharply criticized planned cuts to the healthcare system, warning that the proposed reductions threaten long-term outpatient care for people with chronic pain.

German Pain Society warns healthcare cuts will harm chronic pain patients

"The austerity measures are hitting the very patient group that most urgently needs stable care structures," said DGS President Richard Ibrahim, referring to the draft bill aimed at stabilizing contribution rates in statutory health insurance.

"Chronic pain requires continuous treatment," Ibrahim emphasized. He called for sustainable funding of outpatient care, multidisciplinary teams, reduced bureaucracy, and clear prioritization of care for the chronically ill. "We urge policymakers to take into account the specific needs of people with chronic pain in their reform plans. Stable outpatient pain management is essential for quality of life, social participation, and avoiding inpatient treatment."

The medical society stressed that pain patients depend on continuous, time-intensive, and multidisciplinary care. They warned that financial caps in outpatient services would have immediate consequences, as limited reimbursement would inevitably lead to reduced treatment options.

Particularly concerning, the DGS said, is the planned elimination of fee incentives under the Appointment Service and Care Act (TSVG). According to the Central Institute for Statutory Health Insurance Physicians, these incentives have improved appointment availability. Fewer available slots would increase the risk of chronic pain worsening due to delayed diagnosis and treatment.

There is also a risk that medical practices may respond to financial cuts by reducing staff or scaling back services, potentially leading to longer wait times. For those with chronic pain, this would mean additional hardship, as many already face prolonged waits for appointments and treatment.