Illness is rarely planned – especially not when you can barely get out of bed. For people who cannot visit the doctor themselves, house calls and mobile services are vital. In Berlin, there are various options for having a doctor come to your home. This article explores the options: from statutory health insurance house calls via the 116 117 service to private emergency services RAB. Search terms such as "house calls Berlin," "GP house call costs," "doctor house call," "which doctor makes house calls," or "GP house visit" are addressed in detail here.
Everyday Scenario: Limited Mobility, Help Must Come Home
Imagine this: Your grandmother falls in her apartment, injures her leg, and can no longer walk. It's Sunday. Your family doctor's office is closed, and transport to a hospital would be cumbersome. You start searching online: "GP house visit," "house call service," "who provides house calls?" – and realize there are various providers and phone numbers available. This article helps you better understand the options and choose the right number to call.
Statutory Health Insurance House Call Service – The Number 116 117
116 117 is the first point of contact for non-life-threatening but urgent illnesses. If patients are not mobile, the statutory emergency medical service can send a doctor to their home. In Berlin, this is handled by the mobile house call service, reachable at 116117. Important facts:
- Who can use it? Statutory health insurance members, if they are unable to visit an emergency medical practice due to their condition.
- Costs: The visit and treatment are billed through the health insurance company. For privately insured patients, an invoice is issued, which is usually reimbursed by the insurance company.
- Waiting times: Since the service has limited staffing (particularly at night and on weekends), patients often have to wait several hours. In emergencies, the ambulance service (112) remains the only option.
- Services: The statutory house call is limited to basic measures: examination, prescription issuance, and possibly injections or infusions. For more extensive diagnostics (e.g., ECG or ultrasound), you must visit a practice.
Private Medical House Call Service RAB – Faster, More Comprehensive, More Personal
RAB offers a convenient alternative to the statutory house call. Here, the doctor and medical equipment come directly to you – whether at your home, hotel, or office. The key features:
Specialist Doctor Guarantee and Genuine Consultation
Unlike some services that only employ general practitioners, RAB guarantees that you will be treated by a specialist doctor tailored to your symptoms. You receive a thorough examination, comprehensive diagnostics, and detailed consultation without time pressure. Additionally, you have the assurance that your phone inquiry is answered by real staff members, not by an anonymous call center.
Comprehensive Medical Equipment on Site
RAB brings its practice to you: blood pressure monitor, blood glucose meter, oxygen, infusion solutions, pain medication, ultrasound device, ECG, and even a small laboratory for rapid tests. If needed, palliative care can also be initiated. If someone is dying, RAB conducts the medical examination of the deceased and issues the death certificate – a service that is rarely available in the statutory system.
Flexible Locations: Home, Hotel, Office
For tourists or business travelers in Berlin, the ability to request a doctor directly to your hotel is a major advantage. Many guests at international hotels search online for "house doctor near me" or "private doctor," but find only unclear platforms. RAB dispatches doctors who are also English-speaking and familiar with international health insurance. Similarly, companies value office visits when employees fall ill.
Quick Availability Without Long Waiting Times
While the statutory house call service can have waiting times of two to four hours due to capacity constraints, the RAB doctor usually arrives within 60–90 minutes. Especially for children, elderly people, or severe pain, time is a crucial factor.
Transparent Cost Structure
Costs for the private house call are calculated according to the German Medical Fee Schedule (GOÄ). For privately insured patients, they are usually fully reimbursed. Statutory health insurance members can also use the service – they pay a flat rate between €190 and €250, depending on the time of day and services provided. Compared to waiting time and additional effort, many patients consider this investment fair.
House Call vs. Office Visit – Decision Factors
| Criterion | Statutory House Call (KV) | RAB – Private House Call |
|---|---|---|
| Waiting time | 2–6 hours (high demand) | 60–90 minutes |
| Availability | 116 117, only for bedridden patients | Daily 6 a.m.–midnight at +49 30 550 77 870 for everyone, regardless of mobility |
| Services | Basic examination, prescriptions, infusions | Comprehensive diagnostics (ECG, ultrasound, laboratory), pain management, palliative care, death certificate, hotel and office visits |
| Costs for statutory insurance members | No direct costs | Flat rate between €190 and €250 |
| Specialist doctor guarantee | No | Yes |
| Telephone contact | Anonymous hotline with call screening | German phone support, no call center |
What Does a GP House Call Cost? A Look at the Fees
The cost of a house call is an important criterion for many patients. With statutory insurance, the health insurance company covers the costs; privately insured patients receive an invoice. A "GP house call costs" at RAB amounts to approximately €190 to €250 per visit, depending on time of day, duration, and diagnostics required. This includes travel, examination, consultation, and most standard medications. Additional services such as ultrasound or laboratory tests are billed separately, after prior discussion with you.
Pediatric House Call – When Your Child Is Ill
For parents, it's particularly distressing when a child has a high fever or a rash, but the pediatrician's office is closed. The statutory emergency medical service can refer you to a pediatric practice; however, waiting times are also a problem here. RAB can send a pediatrician to your home upon request. This doctor has experience with children, brings everything necessary, and can also issue prescriptions and sick notes.
Frequently Asked Questions About House Calls
Who provides house calls? – In addition to the statutory KV and RAB, some family doctor practices in Berlin also offer house calls, usually for chronic patients. Ask at your practice whether this service is available.
What is a GP paid for a house call? – Legally, the reimbursement for GPs for house calls is rather low. Therefore, many practices are reluctant to make house calls. At RAB, however, billing is done according to GOÄ, so the doctor can allocate sufficient time for the examination.
Which doctor makes house calls on weekends? – The statutory emergency service has some doctors on duty, but waiting times are long. RAB is available daily from 6 a.m.–midnight and will send you the appropriate specialist.
Can I book RAB for a hotel or office? – Yes, that is one of RAB's strengths. The doctor comes to your hotel if you are traveling for business or pleasure, and brings all necessary equipment.
Conclusion: House Calls – How You Get Optimal Care in Berlin
If you or your family members are ill in bed and cannot go to a waiting room, house calls provide the necessary help. The statutory house call via 116 117 is free of charge and appropriate for minor cases, but can involve longer waiting times. The private emergency medical service RAB stands out through rapid availability, comprehensive equipment, specialist doctor guarantee, and flexible locations – even for hotel visits or issuing a death certificate. This way, you receive good care even in difficult moments.
Schedule an Appointment Now
Do you need medical help in Berlin now? Then schedule an appointment directly by phone with RAB – your medical emergency service in Berlin. Simply call and get help.