Germany runs on a gatekeeper healthcare model. A Hausarzt (family doctor) is your entry point to the system. Specialists require a referral (Überweisung) from the Hausarzt — walk-in specialist appointments are rare and often expensive without one.
How to Find a Hausarzt
The quickest method: call practices near your address and ask if they’re “taking new patients” (Nehmen Sie neue Patienten auf?). Busy urban areas have waiting lists; rural areas typically don’t. The Kassenärztliche Vereinigung (KV) in your state runs an official search at 116117.de — useful for finding practices accepting new patients.
If you’re with GKV (public health insurance), you can register with any Hausarzt who participates in the public system. If you’re with PKV (private insurance), your options are wider — most practices have reserved slots for privately insured patients.
First Appointment
Bring your Gesundheitskarte (insurance card), your Ausweis or passport, and any relevant medical history documents. The first appointment is usually 20–30 minutes. Tell the doctor about any chronic conditions, regular medications, or allergies. They’ll enter everything into their system and issue your Hausarztbindung (GP registration).
Getting Referrals
For a specialist (dermatologist, cardiologist, orthopedist), ask your Hausarzt for an Überweisung. This is a paper or electronic form valid for one quarter. With GKV, your Hausarzt can refer you to any specialist who participates in the public system. Waiting times for specialists range from 2 weeks to 6 months depending on urgency and specialty.
When Your Hausarzt Is Closed
For non-emergency needs outside practice hours, call 116 117 (the KV’s after-hours service). They’ll tell you the nearest emergency practice. Do not use the Notaufnahme (hospital emergency room) for non-emergencies in Germany — it’s expensive, slow, and gatekeepers will redirect you anyway.
Sick Leave (Krankschreibung)
If you’re ill and can’t work, your Hausarzt issues an AU-Bescheinigung (sick note). Since 2023, this is electronic — your employer receives it directly. You must go to the doctor from day one if your employer requires it, or from day three if there’s no explicit rule. Don’t wait and don’t self-certify for more than a day.
