If you are sick and cannot leave your bed, you don't need to travel to a practice – you need a doctor who comes to you. Medical house calls are not only more convenient in certain situations, but also the medically most appropriate form of care. In Berlin, the question arises: which doctors actually make house calls, what are realistic waiting times, and what does a house call cost?
Which Doctors Make House Calls in Berlin?
General practitioners in private practice only make house calls for long-term patients – and even then often only at certain times and under specific conditions. Outside regular office hours, the statutory emergency medical service is theoretically responsible, but arranges house calls only if inability to travel is documented. If someone is suffering but can theoretically walk, they are usually referred to an emergency clinic.
If you want to reliably call a doctor to your home without bureaucratic obstacles, a private emergency medical service is a much better option. At RAB Berlin, house calls are our core service – not an exception, but standard care.
When Is a House Call Medically Appropriate?
A house call is indicated whenever medical evaluation is necessary but traveling to a practice would cause significant additional strain. This applies to severe illness with high fever, acute pain that makes movement difficult, limited mobility, and elderly or care-dependent persons who cannot visit a practice independently. For families with small children and people without their own vehicle, a house call is often the more practical and gentler option.
For life-threatening symptoms such as unconsciousness, suspected heart attack or stroke, severe shortness of breath, or uncontrollable bleeding, only the emergency services at 112 are responsible.
How Long Does It Take for the Emergency Doctor to Arrive?
Waiting times depend on the time of day, service demand, and location within the city. With the statutory emergency medical service, waiting times of several hours can occur, as house calls are prioritized by urgency and the service area is large.
RAB Berlin focuses on timely house calls. As a rule, a visit takes place within 60 to 90 minutes after your phone call. This makes RAB a particularly more reliable choice when a quick medical assessment is important and long waiting times would unnecessarily burden the patient's condition.
What Happens During a House Call from RAB?
After calling, your condition is briefly assessed by phone. Subsequently, an experienced doctor comes directly to your home, hotel, or workplace. On site, a medical history is taken, a physical examination is performed, vital signs are checked, and the next steps are determined. If needed, medications are prescribed, a medical certificate of incapacity for work is issued, or further inpatient evaluation is arranged. The entire examination takes place in your familiar environment. Further information about our services can be found here.
What Does a House Call Cost in Berlin?
Costs are based on the German Fee Schedule for Physicians (GOÄ) and depend on the time of day, day of the week, and scope of services provided. Evening, night, and weekend surcharges are regulated under the GOÄ. Privately insured patients typically receive full reimbursement. Self-paying patients and those with statutory insurance and supplemental coverage can also use the service. Billing is transparent and verifiable at any time.
Important Information About Using Our Service
If you need a doctor for a house call in Berlin and there is no acute emergency situation, you can reach RAB Berlin's private emergency medical service daily between 6 and 24 o'clock by phone at +49 30 550 77 870. Further information and the option to book an appointment directly can be found here.
As a rule, the house call takes place within 60 to 90 minutes after your request.