Need a specific specialist doctor in Germany?
In Germany, you have the freedom to choose your own specialist (Facharzt). While a general practitioner (GP) often serves as the first point of contact, you can often book appointments with specialists directly.
1. Specialists You Can Visit Directly
You generally do not need a referral (Überweisung) for these common specialists:
- Gynecologists (Frauenarzt)
- Ophthalmologists (Augenarzt)
- Dentists (Zahnarzt)
- Pediatricians (Kinderarzt)
2. Specialists Requiring a Referral
For certain technical or diagnostic specialists, a referral from a GP is mandatory for public insurance to cover the cost:
- Radiologists (for MRIs, CT scans, or X-rays)
- Nuclear Medicine Physicians
- Laboratory Medicine
3. How to Find and Book a Specialist
- Doctolib: The most efficient way to find a specialist. Use the language filter to find English-speaking doctors and book directly online.
- 116117 Patient Service: If you are finding it difficult to get an appointment quickly, you can call this national service or use their website. They are legally required to offer you a specialist appointment within four weeks.
- Tip: If your case is urgent, ask your GP for a “Dringlichkeitscode” (urgency code) to speed up this process.
- Insurance Provider Tools: Even as a non-member, you can use the TK-DoctorGuide or the BARMER Doctor Finder to filter for specific English-speaking specialists in your area.
4. Faster Appointments
- “Offene Sprechstunde”: Many specialists are required to offer at least five hours of walk-in clinics per week where no appointment is necessary, though waiting times can be long.
- Private vs. Public: If you are paying out-of-pocket (Private/Self-pay), you will typically receive an appointment much faster, often within days.
