[Problems in physician establishment in Saxony-Anhalt--initial results of a 1991 physician survey]

Prompted by the present structural changes in outpatient medical care in the former GDR, we conducted an inquiry among already established physicians in the federal land of Sachsen-Anhalt. Over 48% of the physicians replied to our letter i.e. we received back 413 questionnaires, which were then analysed. The physicians stated that their application for their own establishment was of vital importance, that means, it was the only way to enable them to work as physicians. They considered their own responsibility and their independence as the main advantages. The physicians feel the burden of the management of their medical practice and the new forms of billing. Initial analysis of activities of physicians in their own medical practice showed that they have become adapted to the structural changes in outpatient medical care, in a relatively short time.