Increased use of video appointments in Saxony-Anhalt - Additional video-calling sessions scheduled for Saxony-Anhalt region
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, video consultations have become an increasingly popular method for doctors and psychotherapists across Germany, including in the federal state of Saxony-Anhalt. This shift towards digital health is driven by regulatory changes and broader digital health adoption.
In 2021, doctors and psychotherapists in Saxony-Anhalt conducted approximately 42,600 video consultations. However, the number decreased to just under 22,000 in 2023. Despite this decrease, video consultations increased by almost 25 percent nationwide in 2024, reaching 2.7 million.
As of 2024, there are 917 doctors and 406 psychotherapists approved to perform and bill video consultations in Saxony-Anhalt. The number of approved professionals remained relatively stable compared to the previous year, with 876 doctors and 380 psychotherapists still approved.
General practitioners and psychotherapists billed the most video consultations in Saxony-Anhalt in 2024. Orthopedists and internists with a focus on angiology billed the least.
The use of video consultations by doctors is not widespread, with only a few doctors utilizing this form of consultation. Nevertheless, some practices in Saxony-Anhalt have continued to offer and expand video consultations, provided it is accepted and used by their patients.
In Saxony-Anhalt, more video consultations were provided on average in the independent cities compared to other districts. This trend suggests that urban areas may be more receptive to telemedicine services.
Video consultations reduce the risk of infection, especially during infectious times, and save patients the trip to the practice. They provide a good opportunity for contract doctors and psychotherapists to maintain contact with their patients, as seen during the corona pandemic.
The Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians in Saxony-Anhalt continues to report that video consultations account for a very small proportion of treatment cases. However, the potential of video consultations is recognised, and they are viewed as a telemedical service with potential in certain constellations.
Despite the limited data available, it is clear that video consultations have become an integral part of healthcare delivery in Saxony-Anhalt. As digital health infrastructure and services continue to improve, it is expected that the use of video consultations will continue to grow.
[1] Digital Accessibility Regulation in Saxony-Anhalt: A Comprehensive Overview (Source) [2] Telemedicine Services in Germany: A Focus on Saxony-Anhalt (Source)
In light of the Digital Accessibility Regulation in Saxony-Anhalt and the advancements in telemedicine services nationwide, there's a growing emphasis on integrating vocational training programs for medical professionals to better facilitate video consultations. This could potentially lead to improved health-and-wellness outcomes, particularly in managing medical-conditions, given the convenience and reduced infection risk they offer.
Moreover, in the realm of community policy and health advocacy, it's crucial to promote science-based approaches to ensure the effective use and expansion of vocational training for video consultation services in areas like Saxony-Anhalt, fostering a more comprehensive and accessible health ecosystem.
