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Fight for teleemergency doctor: Politicians demand quick solutions for Viersen!
The teleemergency doctor system in the Lower Rhine is facing challenges. Why politicians and health insurance companies are at odds.
Fight for teleemergency doctor: Politicians demand quick solutions for Viersen!
The Viersen district is about to take a decisive step in emergency care: the teleemergency doctor system, which has already been tested in other regions of Germany, could soon be introduced here too. In the Lower Rhine, those responsible for politics and administration see the advantages of this new system, which primarily serves to relieve the often overworked emergency doctors. But there are still some hurdles to overcome.
The legal framework for the teleemergency doctor system has now been clarified, and the need for this modern support in emergency medicine is great. The shortage of doctors in emergencies is a Germany-wide problem that is particularly noticeable. Tele-emergency doctors (TNA) could take on tasks that do not necessarily have to be carried out on site, thus offering valuable relief.
Challenges and frustration
Despite the positive views, there are difficulties in implementation. How RP Online reported that health insurance companies are refusing to cover the introduction costs for necessary technologies and jobs. This has led to anger among the political factions in the Viersen district council, who are calling for more pressure on the municipalities involved to find a solution.
However, the system is already being used successfully in other parts of Germany. The teleemergency medical center in Aachen, for example, has existed for a decade and offers around-the-clock support for emergency operations. There are 35 tele-emergency doctors available here to support emergency services staff deployed on site. This happens, for example, in the form of orders for pain therapy or digital logging of operations.
Advantages of the teleemergency doctor system
The teleemergency doctor system has the potential to fundamentally improve emergency care. Thanks to modern technologies, the TNA can communicate with rescue personnel in real time. This means that tedious journeys are no longer necessary and quicker decisions can be made to provide optimal care for patients ADAC highlights. Experiences from other federal states, such as Bavaria, also show that efficient and resource-saving patient care is possible. A new rescue tool, which is directly integrated into the emergency services law, is intended to further improve telemedical care.
However, the financing of the teleemergency doctor system remains a central point. The acquisition costs should be borne by the federal states, while the running costs after integration into the emergency services should be covered by user fees from health insurance companies. Innovative funding programs offer additional support, but long-term perspectives and political alliances must also be ensured here.
In the Viersen district, it remains to be seen whether and how quickly decision-makers can implement the urgently needed reforms to take emergency care to the next level. Demand-based use of emergency doctors and faster patient care are not only desirable, but essential in the current healthcare landscape.