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Analysis of 500+ urgent GP visits in Germany shows most cases were handled in-office, often driven by fear, distress, or a need for reassurance. 

Researchers conducted a retrospective study published in the June 2025 issue of BMC Primary Care to evaluate the types of acute medical cases presented to GP offices. It is widely known that Emergency Departments (ED) managed fewer individuals during general practitioner (GP) service hours, but the nature of acute cases handled by GPs remained unclear.

They collected data from medical students who documented urgent medical cases during a practice internship in GP offices in Northern Germany between February and July 2024. Cases were categorized by urgency levels as “not-acute” (could have been treated on another day), “acute” (had to be treated the same day), and “emergency” (had to be treated immediately). Students also recorded patients’ concerns and expectations, which were analyzed using qualitative content analysis.  

The results showed that 523 cases were collected from 53 GP practices. Most cases (82%) were managed entirely within the practice. Of these, 275 cases (53%) were classified as acute, 170 (33%) as not-acute, and 70 (13%) as emergencies. Reported motivations for urgent GP visits included fear, encouragement by relatives, psychological distress, and pain. Expectations ranged from seeking reassurance and diagnostic testing to requests for medical leave.  

Investigators concluded that patient fears and uncertainties driving urgent GP visits were varied and understandable and could have been addressed through early educational efforts and telemedicine services. 

Source: bmcprimcare.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12875-025-02901-2