Medizinische Versorgungszentren in kommunaler Trägerschaft: Erste Ergebnisse einer empirischen Analyse

Municipalities establish Medical Care Centres (Medizinische Versorgungszentren, MVZ) under their own auspices primarily in rural areas, with the aim of preventing or addressing emerging or existing shortages in medical provision. Municipally owned MVZ (kMVZ) predominantly provide general practitioner services, occasionally supplemented by other primary care disciplines such as paediatrics and gynaecology. In addition to physicians and medical assistants (with and without additional qualifications), kMVZ may also include nursing professionals, midwives, and members of the allied health professions.
As of October 2025, our research identified 48 kMVZ, accounting for less than 1 per cent of all MVZ; however, the number of new kMVZ establishments has increased in recent years. Municipalities face substantial barriers when founding a kMVZ. These include the effort and costs associated with establishment, as well as economic uncertainties related to ongoing operations. Further, municipalities encounter novel challenges in managing an outpatient care facility and in recruiting and retaining qualified staff. In light of these obstacles, the establishment of a kMVZ is often considered an “ultima ratio” for municipalities seeking to ensure the provision of care. Expert respondents differ in their assessments of both the developmental conditions of kMVZ and their potential for innovation in patient care.