Comparison · When the practice is closed
rab vs your GP on the weekend
rab vs your GP on the weekend is a care-pathway comparison that shows when RAB Arztbesuche's private medical home visit in Berlin is the faster alternative — with a licensed physician daily from 6 am to midnight.
A trusted GP is the best foundation a Berlin patient can have — continuous, personal, with full record knowledge. But at weekends, on holidays and late evenings, GP practices are routinely closed. The rab house-call fills exactly that gap without replacing the GP relationship.
Medically reviewed by Susanne Reiche · Last reviewed
A gap, not a competitor
GP care in Berlin is generally well organised on weekdays. It thins out on Friday afternoons, on bridge days between holidays and across Berlin weekends — especially in districts with a high share of private patients like Charlottenburg, Mitte or Zehlendorf. A feverish cold, an acute UTI or a painful ear infection is enough to push patients toward the ER or 116117.
The rab house-call is deliberately not positioned as a GP replacement. We treat the acute issue, document cleanly and — on request — send a report to your regular practice. The handover is GDPR-compliant, encrypted and includes all relevant findings, so continuity of care is preserved.
Discreet complement, not competition
Many of our patients have a trusted GP in Berlin or elsewhere. They use rab specifically when that GP is not reachable — and return on Monday with findings and prescription in hand. That is the only sensible role for a private on-call service: complementary, not displacing.
Emergency? Dial the emergency number
If unconscious, with severe chest pain, breathlessness or heavy bleeding, dial 112 immediately. Our service complements the emergency services — it does not replace them.
Comparison
| Aspect | rab Berlin | GP practice (out-of-hours) |
|---|---|---|
| Availability | Daily 6 am – midnight, 365 days | Mon–Fri practice hours, often no Sat/Sun |
| Patient record | First visit, report sent to your GP | Full file, long-term knowledge |
| Where you go | Doctor comes to you | Patient travels to practice |
| Cost | GOÄ invoice, around €150–350 | Statutory card / private as usual |
| Follow-up | Report to your GP on request | Direct re-booking with GP |
| Language | German, English, further languages | Varies by practice |
| Suitable cases | Acute issues outside practice hours | Chronic care, prevention, routine check |
When rab is the better choice
- Your GP is closed (weekend, holiday, evening)
- You are privately insured or self-pay and need acute care
- You cannot or do not want to leave the flat
- You are a tourist or hotel guest without a Berlin GP
- You need diagnosis, prescription and sick note in one visit
When your own GP is the right call
- Complaints can wait until the next working day
- It's about chronic care, medication review or routine labs
- You need the continuity of the known patient record
- Routine prevention, vaccinations, check-ups
- Referrals to known specialists in your GP's network
Frequently asked questions
Will my GP receive the findings?
On request, yes. We write a short doctor's letter with history, findings, diagnosis, therapy and recommendation, and forward it to your regular practice in a GDPR-compliant way.
Can I continue with my own GP on Monday?
That is exactly what the house-call is designed for: acute care over the weekend, structured handover to the GP from Monday.
What about medications I take long-term?
We issue prescriptions for the acute condition. Long-term medication and chronic care belong with your GP — we do not prescribe substances that require ongoing GP monitoring.
Can you issue a sick note for my employer?
Yes. Private sick notes are valid for German employers. For longer episodes we recommend handing over to your regular GP afterwards.