The German National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians (KBV) is advocating for financial penalties on patients who miss medical appointments without notice.

The KBV suggests that health insurance companies should cover these fees, as missed appointments cannot be reallocated, causing financial strain on practices.

Some clinics have already implemented fines of up to 40 euros, with repeat offenders facing charges as high as 100 euros.

KBV Chairman Andreas Gassen supports this measure, highlighting the blocked slots that could have been used by other patients.

He dismisses calls for more and faster appointments as unrealistic under current conditions.

This proposal mirrors practices in other countries, such as Australia, where similar penalties are already in place.