I need a specialist doctor.

Specialist doctors – experts for specific illnesses

Specialist doctors are physicians who have specialized in certain medical conditions or areas of medicine. For example, there are specialist doctors for ophthalmology (eye doctor), skin diseases (dermatologist), or heart problems (cardiologist). You go to a specialist doctor if you have symptoms that are very specific and your general practitioner cannot treat them alone. Even if you have a diagnosis from your general practitioner that requires special treatment, a referral to a specialist doctor may be necessary.

You go to a specialist doctor if your general practitioner cannot help you enough. A specialist doctor is therefore important when:

• your symptoms do not improve for a long time
• you have severe pain
• your problem keeps recurring
• your general practitioner gives you a referral
• special equipment or examinations are required

Before your appointment with a specialist doctor, you should prepare well. Sometimes you need to bring certain documents or test results that the specialist doctor requires to treat you properly.

Referral – the path to specialist treatment

A referral is an important document in the German healthcare system. You usually receive a referral from your general practitioner. With the referral, you are directed to another practice or hospital. This is necessary if you can be examined or treated better there.

The referral shows why you are being referred. It states what your problem is and which examination or treatment is needed or recommended (specific examination, second opinion, or further treatment). This referral is necessary to plan the treatment correctly and ensure that you receive the right treatment from a specialist doctor. Therefore, you must submit the referral at your first appointment in the new practice. The referral is usually valid for one quarter, which is three months. After that, you need a new referral from your general practitioner if the treatment should continue.

How to get an appointment with a specialist doctor

With a referral from your general practitioner, you can make an appointment at a specialist practice. You can call the practice directly to schedule an appointment. There is also the number 116 117. This is the medical on-call service. They can help you find an appointment and tell you where to call. Sometimes they even have available appointments. You can also search for appointments online via the appointment service: 116117 appointment service: Book doctor appointments online for statutory insured persons. This portal is available in many different languages.

On this page, you can quickly find a practice near you and book an appointment. For other specialist doctors, you need a referral with a referral code from your general practitioner.

Important:

The referral code is a special code on your referral.

With the referral code, you can:

• call the number 116117
• or search for an appointment online via the appointment service:116117 appointment service: Book doctor appointments online for statutory insured persons  

Exceptions – going directly to a specialist practice in certain situations

There are also cases where you can make an appointment with a specialist doctor directly, for example for certain preventive examinations or in emergencies. This is an exception. However, in most cases, you must first visit your general practitioner. Without a referral, your health insurance may not cover the costs, or you may not be able to get an appointment.