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Payment chaos in the hospital: No treatment without cash!
In 2025, patients report problems with cash payments in the hospital. Digital payment methods are required to ensure transparency.
Payment chaos in the hospital: No treatment without cash!
The discussion about cashless payments in healthcare is gaining momentum in Cologne. A remarkable incident is currently making the rounds: Gilles reports that he was asked by his doctor to transfer 70 euros directly to his personal account because there is no option for electronic payment in the hospital. This experience highlights the problem of payment methods in German healthcare facilities in 2025.
The situation is particularly surprising given the legal requirements that have required access to electronic payment methods for patients since July 2022. Dr. Anne Fostier, chief physician of neurology at CHIREC Hospital, confirms that doctors are obliged to offer both cash and electronic payment options. However, Gilles describes how the lack of services at the hospital forced him to carry cash for future visits as the doctor would not offer an appointment without cash.
Billing problems
The complex structure of healthcare billing is another obstacle that patients experience. Gilles is concerned because his doctor has not reported the consultation to the health insurance company, which means he cannot expect any reimbursement. As described on stripe.com, healthcare billing is often complicated as it involves insurance reimbursements and legal compliance.
When patients cannot view their bills or receive a certificate on time, as was the case with Gilles, trust in the system suffers. The doctor now has to send certificates electronically to the health insurance company, but Gilles has not yet received any information about this, which is another example of the challenges in the system.
Digitalization in healthcare
The need for digitalization in healthcare is not only clear in the local context. At the national level, as highlighted by various experts and institutions, a comprehensive transformation is taking place to improve medical care. Digital transformation offers numerous advantages, including efficient management of health data and optimized service offerings for patients. However, outdated processes such as manual invoicing and lack of transparency hinder progress.
Healthcare facilities are faced with the challenge of adapting to the needs of patients while at the same time meeting legal requirements. Seamless integration of modern payment systems, secure data management and adherence to compliance requirements are crucial. According to bpb.de, timely and correct transmission of treatment certificates for patients is of great importance.
It is to be hoped that digitalization in the healthcare system will continue to progress in the future and that access to modern, cashless payment methods will become the norm everywhere in Cologne. This is the only way to increase trust in the system and ensure that patients receive the best possible treatment.