Anyone in Berlin requiring medical assistance outside regular office hours frequently encounters the term "on-call medical service." This service is uniformly available nationwide under the number 116 117 and supplements outpatient care when private practices are closed. This guide explains how the on-call medical service is organized in Berlin, how a call is processed, what waiting times are typically to be expected, and what private medical alternatives may be appropriate in individual cases.
What the On-Call Medical Service Is
The on-call medical service provides outpatient medical care for statutory health insurance patients outside regular office hours for acute but non-life-threatening conditions. Organization and provision are the responsibility of the Regional Medical Associations of each state; in Berlin, this is the Kassenärztliche Vereinigung Berlin. This service must be clearly distinguished from emergency medical services with ambulance and emergency physician. The latter is intended for life-threatening conditions such as heart attack, stroke, severe shortness of breath, or uncontrollable bleeding and is accessible via the emergency number 112.
When 116 117 Is Responsible — and When 112 Is
The distinction between 112 and 116 117 is crucial and should be clear in an acute situation. The emergency number 112 is always the correct choice if a condition is potentially life-threatening, if a person's condition acutely and dangerously deteriorates, or if there is severe injury. The number 116 117 applies when an illness requires acute treatment but does not appear life-threatening and would normally be treated by a general practitioner or specialist whose practice is currently closed. This includes febrile infections, uncomplicated gastrointestinal complaints, non-threatening pain, acute urinary tract infections, or the extension of an urgently needed prescription.
How a Call to 116 117 Proceeds
After the call, the degree of urgency is determined in a telephone-based medical preliminary assessment. Depending on the case, telephone medical advice may be provided, referral to an urgent care clinic may be offered, or a home visit may be organized; if signs of a life-threatening situation are indicated, the ambulance service is activated. It is important that the assessment is made via the telephone service and not by the caller themselves — an honest description of symptoms helps to find the appropriate form of care.
On-Call and Emergency Clinics in Berlin
In Berlin, the on-call clinics of the KV are predominantly located at Charité and Vivantes hospital sites. The exact opening times and currently open locations are published by KV Berlin on its website; a telephone assessment via 116 117 should precede any visit. Those visiting an urgent care clinic should bring their insurance card, a list of medications taken, and any available test results. Depending on the time of day, day of the week, and reason for the visit, waiting times are to be expected.
Typical Waiting Times and Procedures
Waiting times vary greatly depending on the time. Friday evenings, Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays are the periods of highest demand. During these times, waiting times of several hours in urgent care clinics are not uncommon. For home visits by the on-call medical service, deployment is scheduled according to medical urgency; less urgent cases may therefore take hours during off-peak times. This reality is not a criticism of the system but a consequence of the care structure in which relatively few physicians must care for many patients in a short time.
When Waiting Is Not Possible — Private Medical Alternatives
In situations where a several-hour wait at an urgent care clinic is incompatible with the symptoms, where a sick person is not easily transportable, or where planned, short-notice care at home is desired, private on-call medical services offer an alternative. They operate independently of the statutory medical system and provide care to privately insured and self-paying patients via house call. The typical arrival time is 60 to 90 minutes. Prescriptions and a certificate of incapacity for work can be issued on-site if medically indicated. This option is most frequently chosen for acute complaints on weekends, for acutely ill children, or when English-speaking care is needed.
Costs: Statutory Versus Private
For statutory health insurance patients, using the on-call medical service typically incurs no direct costs; standard copayments, such as for medications, remain. For a private medical house call, billing follows the physician fee schedule. The amount depends on time of day, scope of examination, and services provided. Privately insured and patients eligible for government contributions submit the bill to their insurance carrier; self-paying patients bear the costs directly.
Frequently Asked Questions About the On-Call Medical Service
Does 116 117 cost anything? Calling 116 117 itself is free for callers. For statutory health insurance patients, services from the on-call medical service typically involve no additional treatment costs; only standard copayments apply, such as for medications.
Can I get a home visit through 116 117? Home visits are possible through the on-call medical service but are prioritized based on medical urgency. During periods of high demand, arrival may be delayed. Those needing planned and quick arrival times may alternatively use a private medical house call.
What is the difference between 112 and 116 117? 112 is the emergency number for life-threatening emergencies with ambulance and emergency physician. 116 117 is the on-call medical service for acute but non-life-threatening complaints outside regular office hours.
What on-call clinics are available in Berlin? KV Berlin operates several urgent care clinics at major hospital sites. Currently open clinics, opening times, and access addresses are published on KV Berlin's website. A preliminary telephone assessment via 116 117 is advisable to determine the appropriate care pathway.
Can I call 116 117 as a private patient? The number 116 117 is generally available to everyone. Privately insured patients also have access to a private on-call medical service, which is particularly recommended when short and predictable arrival times are a priority.
Factual Note on Use
For a private medical assessment with a house call in Berlin, RAB Private On-Call Medical Service is available daily from 6 a.m. to midnight at +49 30 550 77 870. The typical arrival time is 60 to 90 minutes; prescriptions and certificates of incapacity for work are issued on-site if medically indicated. Further information and online appointment booking can be found at rab-berlin.de. In case of signs of acute danger to life, only the ambulance service via the emergency number 112 is the appropriate contact.