Short distances, a wide range of services, and high standards: Whoever needs a doctor in Germany is in good hands. The Associations of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians (Kassenärztliche Vereinigungen; ASHIPs) make sure that about 73 million compulsorily insured people can consult a physician or a psychotherapist of their own choice at any time and anywhere in the country. ASHIPs guarantee high quality of medical care. They make medical services available and improve them continuously. ASHIPs represent more than 189 000 doctors and psychotherapists and lobby for keeping up and improving the medical system with its top quality. They believe that all patients should profit from medical progress even if the resources of the health insurance funds are rather limited.