Germany's new charging system has mixed results

The number of patients in Germany seeking health care from their GPs or specialist practitioners was 15% lower in January 2004 than in the previous month. Health reforms, including charges to see a doctor, were introduced in Germany at the beginning of the year. However, in December 2003 practices were exceptionally busy as patients saw their doctors for treatment and prescriptions before the changes were introduced.

The decrease in visits in January was announced by Roland Stahl, speaker of the …