It's the middle of the night, you have a high fever and chills, but the thought of driving to the nearest emergency room seems unbearable. Or a loved one is bedridden and urgently needs medical care, but the doctor's office is closed. In these situations, a physician house call may be the best solution. This article explains how the house call service works in Berlin, what special services are available – from hotel visits to the issuance of death certificates – and why the private emergency medical service RAB makes a decisive difference here.
Why House Calls Matter
House calls provide medical care when patients are unable to travel for health reasons. Elderly people, post-operative patients, people experiencing severe pain or high fever benefit from the doctor coming to them. For chronically ill patients, house calls also offer the advantage that the physician can assess the home environment and adjust treatment and counseling accordingly.
Public House Call Services and 116117
The statutory emergency medical service organizes not only referrals to emergency clinics through the number 116117, but also the mobile house call service. If a patient is unable to visit a clinic, a physician is sent to their home. This service is free for those with statutory health insurance; the costs are covered by the health insurance fund. However, the service is heavily utilized; waiting times of several hours are not uncommon, as physicians must handle many calls sequentially.
Special Features of the RAB House Call Service
RAB – Private Emergency Medical Service Berlin also offers house calls, but differs in several key ways from the public service:
Speed and Accessibility
- Flexible availability: RAB is available daily from 6 a.m. to midnight – including weekends and public holidays.
- Fast arrival: Physicians typically arrive within 60–90 minutes. Long waiting times like those in the public service do not apply.
Personal Service Without a Call Center
- With RAB, you speak directly with medical professionals – no anonymous automated telephone system. The team takes time to accurately assess your situation and initiate the appropriate measures.
- Consultation is provided in German; foreign-language physicians can be arranged upon request. This personal contact builds trust and provides peace of mind.
Specialist Physician Guarantee and Broad Range of Services
- Specialist physicians: House calls are performed exclusively by experienced specialists. Depending on your symptoms, an internal medicine specialist, general practitioner, surgeon, or other specialist will visit.
- Services on-site: The physician performs examination, diagnostics, and therapy directly at your home. This includes blood pressure measurement, ECG, blood and urine tests, infusions, and pain management. Prescriptions, medical certificates, and fit-to-fly forms are also issued.
- Palliative care: RAB offers palliative care for seriously ill patients at home upon request. A holistic approach is prioritized, combining pain management with empathetic support.
- Death certificate and body inspection: RAB can perform body inspection and issue a death certificate in the event of death. This eliminates long waiting times, which can be particularly burdensome during an emotionally difficult period.
House Calls at Hotels or Offices
The house call service is not limited to private residences. RAB visits patients in hotels or at the workplace. Business travelers or tourists in Berlin who suddenly fall ill do not need to go to the emergency room. The physician comes directly to the hotel room and treats the patient on-site. The same applies to companies that want to offer their employees quick medical check-ups.
Transparent Billing
- Privately insured patients: House call costs are typically fully covered by private health insurance. Billing follows the German Medical Fee Schedule (GOÄ).
- Statutory health insurance patients: Those with statutory health insurance can also use RAB's house call service – as a self-payer. Fees range from €190 to €250 depending on the time of day and services provided.
How Does a House Call Work?
- Contact: You call RAB (+49 30 550 77 870) or use the online form. The medically trained staff member asks about your symptoms, address, and contact details.
- Assessment and planning: Based on your information, the team decides which specialist is appropriate and sends them to you. You receive an estimated arrival time simultaneously.
- Travel and examination: The physician drives directly to you and performs a comprehensive examination. They carry all necessary materials for infusions, injections, wound care, and diagnostics.
- Treatment and documentation: Depending on findings, the physician treats you immediately – for example, with painkillers, antibiotics, or other medications. If needed, you receive a medical certificate and prescriptions. After treatment, the physician takes time to answer your questions.
- Follow-up care: If necessary, RAB organizes follow-up consultation or continued treatment at the affiliated Reiche private clinic.
Who Benefits Most from the House Call Service?
- Seniors who must manage independently and cannot leave home when ill.
- Chronically ill patients with limited mobility.
- Patients with acute infections such as gastroenteritis or severe migraines who need rest.
- People with restricted mobility due to injuries or physical disabilities.
- Families with sick children who do not wish to visit crowded waiting rooms; RAB also offers pediatric house calls.
- Tourists and business travelers who need medical care at their location – in a hotel or office.
Public vs. Private House Calls – A Decision Guide
| Feature | Public House Call Service (KV) | RAB Private House Call |
|---|---|---|
| Cost for statutory patients | None, covered by insurance | Out-of-pocket (approx. €190–250) |
| Personnel | Various physicians; often general practitioners | Exclusively specialists from various disciplines |
| Availability | Via 116117, waiting times possible | Directly accessible 6 a.m. to midnight, personal consultation without call center |
| Response time | Several hours until physician arrives | 60–90 minutes |
| Additional services | Basic medicine, referral to clinics or hospitals | Infusion therapy, palliative care, body inspection, death certificate, hotel service |
Conclusion: House Calls as a Convenient Path to Medical Help
The house call service is a valuable option when you are unable to travel or prefer stress-free treatment at home. The public service via 116117 ensures basic care; however, during high demand, waiting times can occur. RAB offers a comprehensive alternative here: personal initial consultation without a call center, fast arrival, specialist physician guarantee, and a broad range of services – from infusion therapy to medical certificates to death certificate issuance. Whether at home, in the office, or in a hotel: RAB ensures that you receive the medical help you need quickly in Berlin and the surrounding area.
Call to Action
Would you like a physician house call in Berlin? Trust RAB – your private emergency medical service. Our German team will advise you by phone, arrange the appropriate specialist, and provide fast help at your location.
👉 Schedule an appointment now – for comprehensive care, even outside the clinic.