Accidents and sudden health problems can occur at any time. Whether during the day, at night or on weekends – it is reassuring to know how you can access medical help quickly and reliably. In Berlin, there is a well-organized system of emergency and on-call services that is available around the clock. This article shows you when you should contact the medical emergency service, how to reach it, and what to expect at the practice or during a house call. The focus is on privately insured patients, expats and tourists.
What is the Medical Emergency Service?
The medical emergency service is the central point of contact for acute medical problems that are urgent but not immediately life-threatening. It is organized by the Berlin Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians. Behind the emergency service is a network of general practitioners and specialists who are available outside regular office hours. The telephone number 116 117 is valid nationwide and connects you with the medical emergency service control center. Based on your information, they decide whether you should visit an on-call practice or whether a doctor will come to your home.
The emergency service's scope of activities includes in particular:
- Severe pain that occurs suddenly and does not subside.
- Acute infections such as urinary tract infection, tonsillitis, bronchitis.
- Fever in children or adults that does not decrease despite fever-reducing medication.
- Worsening of chronic diseases such as COPD, asthma or heart failure.
It is important to distinguish from life-threatening emergencies. In the event of serious accidents, loss of consciousness, severe chest pain or difficulty breathing, call emergency number 112 immediately. In these cases, the emergency doctor comes with an ambulance and the necessary equipment.
When Should You Call the Emergency Service?
The question of whether to call 112 or 116 117 confuses many patients. A rough rule of thumb: if there is an immediate risk to life, there is no way around 112. For all other acute but not life-threatening complaints, the medical emergency service is the right place to contact. Examples:
- Persistent severe headaches after a fall or fever.
- High fever (above 39 °C) that does not decrease despite paracetamol or ibuprofen.
- Sudden breathing problems that are not typical asthma or COPD.
- Abdominal pain that worsens significantly within a short time.
- Ear pain in children that occurs at night.
Private patients benefit particularly from the emergency service: you get an appointment quickly, do not wait for hours in an emergency room and can arrange a house call if needed. For expats who are unsure about the German system, the emergency service in Berlin often has bilingual doctors.
How to Reach the Emergency Service
The nationwide number 116 117 is available around the clock. Have the following information ready when you call:
- Symptom description: When did the complaints start? How severe are they?
- Personal details: Name, date of birth, address.
- Pre-existing conditions and medications: Do you take regular medications? Is there a pregnancy?
- Insurance status: Privately or statutorily insured?
The control center then decides whether you can visit an open practice or whether a medical house call is required. In Berlin, there are several on-call practices organized by district. Those who cannot leave the house due to mobility restrictions, illness or age are entitled to a house call.
Procedure at the On-Call Practice
If the control center names a practice for you, a team of doctors from various specialties will be on duty there. After a brief registration, the examination takes place. This includes a medical history (medical history), physical examination and possibly basic laboratory tests such as blood pressure, temperature or ECG. Many practices also have ultrasound equipment, laboratory facilities and X-ray, so that rapid diagnosis is possible. After the examination, it is decided whether:
- You can stay at home with medication treatment.
- You must be admitted to a hospital for inpatient care.
- A further appointment with a specialist is advisable.
Private patients receive a detailed invoice based on the medical fee schedule (GOÄ) afterwards. You can submit this to your health insurance company. Expats should clarify in advance whether their foreign insurance recognizes German invoices.
Procedure for House Calls
A house call is convenient and sensible in many cases – especially with severe weakness, high fever or mobility restrictions. A team of doctors then comes to your home or hotel with portable medical equipment. The examination is similar to that in the practice: symptoms are asked about, blood pressure is measured, blood may be taken. If necessary, injections, infusions or minor procedures (e.g. wound care) can be performed on site. Again, if urgent inpatient treatment is needed, transport will be arranged.
House calls are generally covered for private patients. Self-payers can also use the service, of course; costs are billed transparently according to GOÄ.
Benefits of Private Emergency Service
A private emergency service offers some additional services:
- Quick appointment scheduling with less waiting time than at the public on-call practice.
- House calls even at your hotel – ideal for tourists and business travelers.
- English-speaking doctors, which is important for expats and visitors without German language skills.
- Transparent cost structure thanks to billing according to GOÄ.
These points make the private emergency service a convenient alternative if you want to be treated in familiar surroundings and want a quick response.
Preparation Tips
- Save the numbers 116 117 and 112 in your phone. This way you won't waste time in an emergency.
- Create a list of your medications and pre-existing conditions – preferably digital so you can always access it.
- Keep important documents at hand (ID card, insurance documents).
- Inform close contacts that you are contacting the emergency service so someone knows in case of emergency.
Conclusion
The medical emergency service is the right place for acute but not life-threatening complaints. In Berlin, a well-organized network ensures that you receive quick and competent treatment – whether at the practice or at home. Private patients and expats benefit from short waiting times, bilingual staff and transparent costs.
Call our emergency service hotline or book a house call online – we're here for you when you need us.