Comparison · Paediatric on-call vs. house-call
rab vs paediatric on-call
rab vs paediatric on-call 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.
When a child is ill, every hour counts — and so does the right setting. Berlin has established paediatric on-call structures for statutory patients. The rab house-call complements that for private patients, tourist families and parents who don't want to move their feverish child.
Medically reviewed by Susanne Reiche · Last reviewed
Children in a house-call — what works, what doesn't
The rab team treats children from infancy for common acute indications — febrile respiratory infections, middle-ear infections, gastroenteritis, urinary tract infections, rashes, sore throats and painful eye infections. We examine fully (stethoscope, otoscope, pulse oximeter, rapid tests) and follow internationally accepted treatment standards.
What we do not replace: a local paediatrician for long-term care, paediatric check-ups, vaccination schedules, follow-up for chronic illness or therapy needing regular paediatric specialist supervision. For all of that we hand over in a structured way — to Berlin paediatric practices or hospitals.
Especially valuable for international families
We see many families from abroad — embassy staff, business travellers with children, tourists — who cannot navigate Berlin's paediatric system from a standing start. Here the English-speaking house-call is a tangible relief: treatment in the hotel room, findings, prescription, parental sick note — all in one visit.
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 | Paediatric on-call service |
|---|---|---|
| Who attends | Specialist, broad general / internal training | Paediatrician (child specialist) |
| Travel | Doctor comes to the child | Variable, sometimes doctor comes, sometimes office visit |
| Waiting time | Typically 60–90 min. on site | Seasonal, peak load in winter |
| Cost | GOÄ, around €150–350 | Billed via statutory / private insurance |
| Availability | Daily 6 am – midnight | On-call hours vary |
| Languages | German, English, more | Mostly German |
| Suitable cases | Common acute infections from infancy | Full paediatric advisory needs |
When rab is the better choice
- You are a tourist or hotel guest without a Berlin paediatrician
- You don't want to move the feverish child
- English-language care matters (international families)
- You value a calm setting in a hotel room or apartment
- It's a typical respiratory infection, gastroenteritis, otitis or fever
When paediatric on-call is the right call
- Complex paediatric questions (e.g. newborns under 4 weeks, chronically ill children)
- Suspected classical childhood disease with specialist indication
- You are on statutory insurance and want the statutory pathway
- Paediatric-specific diagnostics are needed
Frequently asked questions
From what age does rab treat children?
We treat children from infancy for the typical acute indications. For infants under 3 months or any newborn red flag, we recommend going directly to a paediatric hospital.
Do I have to choose a paediatrician?
No. General and internal medicine specialists are fully qualified for common acute paediatric indications. For specifically paediatric questions we refer to a paediatrician or hospital.
Can you issue a sick note for caring for a sick child?
Yes. We issue the certificate working parents need to stay home with a sick child — and also the parent's own sick note if they fall ill too.
What if the child needs urgent help?
For acute breathlessness, severe dehydration, seizure, mental status change or severe allergic reaction — always call 112 first. rab complements but does not replace emergency response.