Doctor search

In Germany, you are free to choose a doctor. This means that you have a free choice of doctor. You can go to any doctor you like.

It is important that you feel comfortable with the doctor. Then you can stay there for many years. If you don’t feel well, you can go to another doctor.

It is good if you live near your doctor. If you feel ill, you only have a short journey to the doctor’s surgery. Then you don’t have to drive or walk far.

You may also only have a short time to visit the doctor. Then it’s good if the doctor is open late.

Most people in Germany have statutory health insurance. There are special rules when it comes to choosing a GP.

Many GPs take part in the statutory health insurance scheme. If you have statutory health insurance, you can only go to these GPs. The staff at the practice will help you if you are unsure.

Sometimes it’s hard to find the right doctor. This will make it easier for you to find a good doctor’s surgery:

You can ask your family or friends. They may know a doctor with whom they feel comfortable.

You can ask your family and friends about the practice. For example, whether you can reach the practice easily by phone. Or whether you can get an appointment quickly.

You can also search for doctors on the Internet. Enter the doctor you are looking for as a search term. It is also best to enter the town in which you live.

You can also look in the telephone directory. Or you may know a practice nearby. Then you can simply call them. Or go to the specified consultation hours.

You can also obtain information about doctors from the Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians. You can do this on the Internet and on the phone.
Dial 1 1 6 1 1 7 on the phone and the staff will be able to help you. You will then need to tell them which doctor you are looking for and where you live.

You can ask for a family doctor. Or for a specialist. A specialist is, for example, a dentist or a gynaecologist.

Sometimes it is difficult to recognise a good medical practice. There are a few features that can help you to do this.

You have to decide for yourself what is important to you. And what is not important. You can ask yourself many questions:

Can you get an appointment quickly?

Can you reach the practice easily by phone?

Can you get to the practice easily? Or are there barriers?

Are there bus stops or car parks nearby?

Will the staff help you, even if you speak another language? Can an interpreter help? Do the staff also speak to you in plain language?

Are the employees friendly to you? Do the staff have respect for you?

Do all people receive the same treatment? Then it doesn’t matter what gender you are. Or what skin colour or origin. You will also be treated well if you have a disability or speak a different language.

Does the doctor take you seriously? Are your wishes important to the doctor?