Treatment of diabetics in MV: Is everything on the brink?

Treatment of diabetics in MV: Is everything on the brink?

Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Deutschland - In Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, the treatment options for diabetics are on the brink. Diabetes is a common disease in Germany, especially the type 2 diabetes, which, with 14% of the population, raises regional values over the national average of almost 11%. While type 1 diabetes is less common, the cases, especially in children and adolescents, rise steadily. But what happens when the specialized practices break away?

The situation is tense: 90% of diabetics are cared for by general practitioners, while the remaining patients have to take advantage of the expertise of 39 resident diabetologists and 34 diabetological focus practices. Many of these practices are already working on the limit and can no longer take up new patients or have long waiting times. A worrying forecast shows that up to 80% of the focus practices could close, which would lead to a dramatic shortage of care. This fear is closely linked to the upcoming changes in the health care law (GVSG) and the hospital reform, of which, as Diabetology Online reports, in particular the diabetology is affected.

origin of the crisis

The draft law stipulates that only general practitioners receive an annual chronic and supply flat rate. So far, this flat rate has been paid quarterly and was divided into different practices. This primarily faces the specialized diabetological centers in front of a financial disaster. Experts warn that the loss of these flat rates could cost up to 40% of the earnings practices. However, the costs for the practices have increased in recent years due to rising fee and inflation. According to [Nordkurier] (https://www.nordkurier.de/regional/mecklenburg-vorpommern/steht- treat- von-diabetiker-in-jetz- der-Kippe-3729314), medical fees have risen by 15% in the past ten years, while the inflation with 26.9% and the land wages by 36.5% climb.

Critics of the law argue that the new regulations are still really strengthening the general practitioners of diabetological care. It is estimated that only four of the 34 diabetological focus practices could survive. These drastic changes could leave up to 80% of the 4500 type 1 and 20,000 type 2 diabetics in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, including pregnant women. Unscript diabetics risk serious complications that may lead to emergency rooms or intensive care units.

political efforts and outlook

In order to counteract this worrying state, diabetologists have started to exert political pressure. The board of the Association of Diabetes Consultants in Germany (VDBD) has already contacted political decision -makers in order to request improvements to the draft laws. In July 2024, a crucial zoom discussion was held with a member of the Bündnis 90/The Greens parliamentary group in order to underline the importance of diabetes advice and training professions. In these conversations, it is also pointed to the need to structurally improve the inpatient care of diabetics, such as DDG notes.

The challenges in diabetes supply are almost enormous, and it remains to be seen whether the planned legal regulations actually cover the stove of the crisis or whether we have to experience further tightening here. The upcoming parliamentary summer break could decide how to proceed, and the efforts to make a fair remuneration for the specialized services could be crucial. It is time to intensify the dialogue between medicine and politics before the supply gaps become insurmountable.