The medical association Virchowbund has called on all medical practices to introduce a four-day week.
On Wednesdays, they should generally refrain from providing outpatient care and instead use the day "to deal with bureaucracy and for further training", the professional association announced on Wednesday in Berlin.
He justified the proposal with economic considerations.
Medical practices are "under enormous cost pressure" due to high energy price increases and inflation, but on the other hand have to fight against "a budgeted financing system and the cancellation of funds".
The national chairman of the Virchowbund, Dirk Heinrich, explained: "It is therefore clear to us: Services that are not paid for cannot be provided - that is why we have to limit our services."
The association, which represents general practitioners and specialists in private practice, also described the initiative as a "sign against the ever-expanding bureaucracy in medical practices and as a remedy for the shortage of skilled workers".
A four-day week with full wage compensation, for example, makes working in practices more attractive for medical assistants.
The same applies to young doctors for reasons of family friendliness.