What is a German Privatärztliche Verrechnungsstelle (PVS)?

What a PVS does and why

A Privatärztliche Verrechnungsstelle (PVS for short) is a specialised service provider in Germany that handles the entire GOÄ invoicing process for private doctors and private clinics. Rather than each doctor writing their own invoices, the doctor forwards the treatment data to the PVS, which generates a GOÄ-compliant bill, sends it to the patient, books incoming payments, follows up on overdue accounts and, if necessary, handles debt management. Two main reasons: efficiency — doctors should focus on medicine, not bookkeeping — and compliance — the PVS checks each invoice formally against the GOÄ and reduces the risk of mis-billing or reimbursement issues.

Germany has several major PVS providers — the Privatärztliche Verrechnungsstelle Berlin-Brandenburg, PVS holding (Mülheim), ZAB (Zürich-Anglo Berlin) and other regional providers. They are not insurance companies, not debt collectors and not banks — they are pure billing service providers acting on behalf of the doctor. The doctor either assigns the receivable to the PVS (true factoring) or only commissions the processing (non-recourse). Either way, the invoice issuer is legally clear — usually noted as 'on behalf of Dr X' or 'for practice Y' — and the patient has a clear point of contact for queries, clarifications or complaints.

For the patient this means in practice: you receive the invoice not from the doctor personally but from the PVS — typically a few days after the house call, by post or email. You submit it to your insurer as usual. If you have questions about the invoice, the PVS is the right contact: they explain GOÄ codes, review the justification for multipliers and correct demonstrable errors. In case of dispute, you can file a written objection against individual items — the PVS then clarifies with the treating physician and responds in writing. Instalment plans or deferrals are usually possible if a payment bottleneck arises.

Example: clarifying an invoice after a house call

A patient receives an invoice of 320 € about a week after a house call, issued in the name of the treating physician and dispatched by a PVS in Berlin. He does not understand one code and calls the PVS. The clerk explains the GOÄ code and sends a brief written explanation. He submits the invoice to his PKV — fully reimbursed within eight working days. Had the PKV queried a multiplier, he could have asked the PVS to send a supplementary justification to the insurer — a standard process without conflict.

How a PVS works for you as a patient

• Invoice arrives a few days after the visit — by post or email, not on site.
• Each GOÄ item itemised — code, factor, euro amount, justification where applicable.
• Payment by bank transfer; some PVS also accept direct debit or online payment.
• For queries: contact the PVS directly (phone, email on the invoice) — they clarify with the doctor.
• For financial difficulty: instalment plans or deferrals usually possible without trouble.
• Data protection: treatment data is transmitted GDPR-compliantly, not shared with third parties.
• Reminders are statutorily regulated — overdue only after defined deadlines and written reminders.
• In case of dispute: written objection against individual items, escalation via the Berlin Medical Chamber.