Praxisgemeinschaftsvertrag

Praxisgemeinschaft, also called Praxisgemeinschaften, is a form of medical practice arrangement in German-speaking healthcare systems in which two or more physicians operate in a single shared facility while maintaining professional independence. The term is common in Germany, Austria, and parts of Switzerland. A closely related concept is Gemeinschaftspraxis, where the physicians work as a single professional entity with joint management and billing; in Praxisgemeinschaft each physician keeps their own contracts with health insurers and their own patient lists.

In a Praxisgemeinschaft, doctors share premises, reception, and support staff, and may share equipment such as diagnostic devices. They coordinate practice schedules and referrals to ensure comprehensive care. Each physician bills separately to health insurers and maintains their own patient database; the arrangement can be multidisciplinary or based on similar specialties.

In Germany, Praxisgemeinschafts operate within the framework of the contractual system for physicians (Vertragsarztsystem) via the Kassenärztliche Vereinigung (KVen). Physicians must comply with Berufsordnung, data protection laws, and professional liability requirements. Billing and reimbursement reflect individual contracts with insurers, rather than a single common billing entity.

Advantages include cost sharing for premises and staff, broader opening hours, and potential for multidisciplinary care. Challenges include administrative coordination, potential conflicts over resource allocation, and the need to maintain clear professional boundaries and liability for independent medical actions.

Praxisgemeinschaften are particularly common in rural areas or in urban settings seeking to improve service availability and efficiency. They are distinct from Gemeinschaftspraxis, which operates as a single practice with shared billing.