Visiting a Doctor’s Office

The family doctor’s office is the first point of contact when you feel ill, have complaints, or need medical advice.

General practitioners, also known as family doctors, have undergone extensive training and know a lot about the human body.

During a visit to the family doctor, the doctor will listen to your symptoms and try to determine whether an illness or injury is present. Symptoms can be physical, but emotional issues, such as anxiety or sadness, can also be discussed with your doctor.

At the beginning of the treatment, especially if you are new to a practice, the doctor will conduct a so-called medical history (anamnesis). Anamnesis means that the doctor will ask you questions about your health and medical history.

The examination by the doctor is also called diagnosis. Once the doctor has made the diagnosis, they will discuss the next steps with you. There are various options for further action. Here are a few examples:
• The doctor may issue a sick note so you can rest and recover.
• It may be necessary for you to return for further examinations. Sometimes a treatment requires several doctor’s appointments.
• The doctor may prescribe you medication. You will receive a prescription, which you can redeem at the pharmacy.
• You may also be referred to a specialist, such as a medical specialist or therapist. This is called a referral.

You can visit your family doctor not only when you have complaints. You can also have screenings for certain diseases or preventive exams done at the family doctor. Additionally, you can receive vaccinations and consult your family doctor about them.

Diseases and Allergies

Here you can find health information on the topic of “Diseases and Allergies.” To give you an idea of what this health information is about, here’s a brief overview.

There are various diseases. The body can become ill or develop an allergy. Sometimes, the mind can also become unwell.

For example, there are acute diseases. These are conditions that usually go away quickly, like a cold or a stomach infection.

Most acute diseases are infectious diseases. You can best protect yourself by washing your hands frequently and living a healthy lifestyle.

If you feel unwell, speak with a doctor. They can tell you how to recover quickly. Usually, when you have an acute illness, rest is important.

There are also conditions that last longer. These are called chronic diseases. Chronic diseases last at least a year, and often they last a lifetime.

There are many reasons why chronic diseases develop. And there are many different chronic diseases. For example, there are heart or lung diseases.

With a chronic disease, it’s important to speak with a doctor regularly. They will tell you what can help you and how you can feel better with the condition.

Overall, even with chronic diseases, living healthily is important. This means eating healthily, exercising enough, and not smoking.

Some people also have an allergy. In this case, the body reacts to substances in the environment that aren’t actually harmful, like dust or certain foods.

You may then experience various symptoms, such as an itchy nose or a sore throat. The doctor can conduct a test to find out what you’re allergic to. They may prescribe medication to help with the allergy.

The mind can also become unwell. You may experience negative emotions or be afraid of many things. This is also called a mental illness.

Recognizing a mental illness can often be difficult. Certain specialists can help you with this. They will ask many questions about your feelings and your daily life.

Together, you can find a way to feel better. Sometimes psychotherapy helps. Certain medications can also be beneficial.

This was an overview of “Diseases and Allergies.” You can learn more about it in the next health information.

Doctors in Germany

Here you can find health information on the topic of “Doctors in Germany.” To give you an idea of what this health information is about, here’s a brief overview.

In Germany, there are many different types of doctors, each responsible for specific areas. For example, for certain parts of the body. These doctors are called specialists.

A specialist has studied medicine and then completed additional training. Each specialist is an expert in a particular field, such as the eyes or the skin.

A family doctor is also a specialist. Family doctors are specialists in general medicine.

To know which doctor is responsible for which illness, the family doctor is the right first contact. The family doctor will tell you exactly which specialist you need to see.

For some programs within the statutory health insurance, you must first visit a family doctor. However, this is voluntary. Then, you will receive a referral to a specialist.

Most specialists can be visited without a referral. However, for certain specialists, a referral is always required. For example, for laboratory medicine or hospital doctors, unless it is an emergency.

This was an overview of the topic “Doctors in Germany.” You can learn more about it in the next health information.

Medications and Their Package Inserts

Here you can find health information on the topic of “Medications and Their Package Inserts.”

To give you an idea of what this health information is about, here’s a brief overview.

Medications help you recover or stay healthy. They can aid in curing illnesses or alleviating symptoms.

There are different types of medications, such as tablets that you take orally or ointments that you apply to the skin.

You can get medications at the pharmacy. Some medications require a prescription, while others can be purchased over the counter.

It is always important to consult with a doctor or pharmacist about how to take medications.
Taking your medication regularly is crucial. Some medications need to be taken at the same time each day. Your doctor or pharmacist will tell you how to take the medication properly.

Additionally, every medication comes with a package insert. The package insert is very important because it contains all the information about the medication, such as how it should be stored and its expiration date.

For example, medications should always be stored out of reach of children. They should not be exposed to sunlight. And if a medication has expired, it should not be taken.

The package insert also indicates what activities you should avoid after taking the medication. For instance, some medications may prevent you from driving.

Never throw away the package insert and always ask your doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure about any medication.

This was an overview of the topic “Medications and Their Package Inserts.” You can learn more about it in the next health information.

Your Rights as a Patient

Here you can find health information on the topic of “Your Rights as a Patient.” To give you an idea of what this health information is about, here’s a brief overview.

In this section, you will learn about your rights as a patient. You have rights in every treatment relationship that must be upheld by doctors.

These rights are known as patient rights. They apply not only to doctors but also to treatments provided by other healthcare professionals, such as physiotherapists or alternative practitioners.

There are many different patient rights. It is beneficial to know your rights so that you can assert them when necessary.

Your rights are outlined in the law, specifically in the Patients’ Rights Act.
For example, you have the right to be well-informed about treatments. The doctor must explain everything to you.

It is also important that the doctor explains things in a simple way. If you do not understand something, the doctor must explain it again in simpler terms.

You decide which treatment is performed. You also have the right to refuse a treatment. A doctor is only allowed to carry out a treatment if you give your consent.

Sometimes, the doctor may suggest a treatment that you have to pay for, meaning it is not covered by health insurance. Even in this case, you have the right to decide whether you want to undergo the treatment.

You also have the right to seek a second opinion. This means you can consult another doctor if you are uncertain about a diagnosis or treatment, or if you are not satisfied with your doctor.

Sometimes a doctor may make a mistake that has serious consequences. In such cases, you also have rights. It is best to seek advice in these situations. There are patient advisory centers available for this purpose.

This was an overview of the topic “Your Rights as a Patient.” You can learn more about it in the next health information.

Prescriptions, Referrals, and Sick Notes

Here you can find health information on the topic of “Prescriptions, Referrals, and Sick Notes.” To give you an idea of what this health information is about, here’s a brief overview.

Prescriptions, referrals, and sick notes are different types of documents you can receive from your doctor.

For some medications, you need a prescription. These medications are not available over the counter. You must visit a doctor who can provide you with a prescription.

With the prescription, you can go to a pharmacy, where it can be redeemed, and you will receive your medication. Sometimes, you may need to pay for part of it.

The new development is the electronic prescription, also known as the e-prescription. This is a prescription on your mobile phone. You can send this prescription to a pharmacy online.

A sick note is provided by your doctor when you are ill. It is also known as being “signed off sick.” You must submit the note to your employer.

When you are signed off sick, you do not go to work. You should only do activities that benefit you and help with your recovery.

If you are on sick leave for more than six weeks, your employer will no longer pay your salary. However, you will receive payments from your health insurance, known as sick pay.

You also receive a referral from your doctor. A referral is necessary when you need to see a specialist. For some specialists, you can only get an appointment with a referral.

A referral is only valid for a certain period. If your referral has expired, ask your doctor for a new one.

If you want to learn more about the topic of “Prescriptions, Referrals, and Sick Notes,” this section provides additional information.

This was an overview of the topic “Prescriptions, Referrals, and Sick Notes.” You can find out more in the following health information sections.

Preventive Care, Early Detection, and Vaccination

Here you can find health information on the topic of “Preventive Care, Early Detection, and Vaccination.” To give you an idea of what this health information is about, here’s a brief overview.

Some medical examinations are performed even when you do not feel sick. These are called preventive or early detection examinations.

These examinations help detect certain diseases early. This is important so they can be treated quickly, as many diseases have better outcomes when treated early.

The different examinations depend on factors such as gender and age. Talk to your doctor about which examinations are recommended for you.

Some of these examinations are covered by your health insurance. Check with your health insurance provider to find out which ones are included.

Now, a bit about vaccinations. Vaccinations provide protection against contagious diseases.

A vaccination can protect you and often protects others as well.

All vaccinations are recorded in a vaccination card. Your doctor should check your vaccination card regularly.

This was an overview of the topic “Preventive Care, Early Detection, and Vaccination.” You can find more detailed information in the following health sections.

Sick, but No Papers, No Health Insurance?

Everyone has the right to the best possible health! This is stated in international law.

Unfortunately, this is often not implemented by the state in Germany.

Important exception: Emergencies! In case of an emergency, please call the emergency number 112. The costs for emergency care are, in case of doubt, covered by the local social services.

In some cities in Germany, there are initiatives, associations, doctors, and medical professionals who help people without papers:

Kiel

Medibüro Kiel e.V.
Sophienblatt 64a
24114 Kiel
Tel.: 01577 189 44 80
(Dienstag 15:30 – 17:30 Uhr)
info@medibuero-kiel.de
https://medibuero-kiel.de

Freiburg

MediNetz Freiburg
im Mini-Rasthaus
Adlerstraße 12
79098 Freiburg
Sprechzeit: dienstags 16:30 – 18:00
Tel.: 0761 2088331
info@medinetz.rasthaus-freiburg.org

Rostock

MediNetz Rostock e.V.
Herrmannstraße 36
18055 Rostock
Sprechzeiten:
persönlich nur mit Voranmeldung (telefonisch oder per Mail) dienstags 17:30 bis 19:00, oder nach Absprache
regulär dienstags 18:00-19:00
Tel.: 0176 32750299
info@medinetz-rostock.de
https://medinetz-rostock.de

Karlsruhe

MediNetz Karlsruhe
Alter Schlachthof 59
76131 Karlsruhe
Sprechzeit: mittwochs 14:00 – 18:00 (nur nach Anmeldung telefonisch oder per E-mail)
Tel.: 0721 66487986
Fax: 0721 6288306
mrz.medinetz@web.de
https://www.medinetz-karlsruhe.de

Würzburg

MediNetz Würzburg e.V.
Eine-Welt-Laden
Plattnerstraße 14
97070 Würzburg
Tel.: 0160 91661078
Sprechzeit: dienstags 17:00 – 18:00
email: orga@medinetz-wuerzburg.de
Web: https://www.medinetz-wuerzburg.de/

Hamburg

Medibüro Hamburg
Hospitalstrasse 109
22767 Hamburg
Telefon 040 / 238 558 322 (Anrufbeantworter)
FAX: 040 / 238 558 32910
care-medibuero-hamburg@systemli.org

Beratung: Jeden 1. Und 3. Montag im Monat von 15:00 – 17:00

Wir vermitteln medizinische Hilfe unabhängig vom Aufenthalts- und Krankenversicherungsstatus. Wir sind eine nichtstaatliche, antirassistische Organisation. Unsere Vermittlung und Beratung ist kostenlos und vertraulich. Soweit möglich sind die von uns vermittelten Behandlungen ebenfalls kostenlos.

Lübeck

Medibüro Lübeck
AWO
Große Burgstraße 51
23552 Lübeck
Tel: +49 1577 9338144
medibuero.hl@googlemail.com
Website: www.medibuero-luebeck.de

Bonn

medinetzbonn.de