Weekend doctor Berlin

Why the weekend is our busiest call-time

Berlin GP practices close on Friday afternoons and open again on Monday morning. In those roughly 65 hours, statistical reality catches the whole city: respiratory infections turn acute on Saturday, gastroenteritis hits at night, lumbago from moving furniture floors a family on Sunday afternoon. The statutory on-call line 116117 is the official point of contact — but waiting times by phone and in walk-in clinics are often substantial on weekends. For private patients and self-payers who would rather not spend two to three hours in an unfamiliar clinic, the private house call is the alternative.

Our team works full weekend shifts — not reduced. A board-certified physician covers west Berlin, a second physician covers east. That keeps arrival times short and ensures districts like Spandau, Marzahn and Köpenick are reachable on Sunday too. The case carries everything that a practice would offer: rapid tests, ECG, pulse oximeter, otoscope, tongue depressor, inhaler, IV set, first-line and emergency medications. A sick note is issued on the spot and, on request, sent as a photo to your employer immediately and on paper later.

Typical weekend visits in Berlin

Common reasons include febrile respiratory infections in adults and children, acute otitis in toddlers, gastroenteritis (especially norovirus waves in autumn and winter), urinary-tract infections, lumbago and acute back pain, hypertensive crises in older patients, allergic reactions, migraine attacks, conjunctivitis. Berlin's long weekends — extended Pentecost, Reformation-Day bridges, Ascension — also produce four-day stretches with no GP access at all.

Sick note on a Sunday — does it work?

Yes. A German Arbeitsunfähigkeitsbescheinigung (sick note) is valid regardless of whether it is issued in a practice, in a hospital or at a house call. The only requirement is a physical examination — we do not issue sick notes without seeing the patient. The note contains the diagnosis code, the period of incapacity and the physician's stamp. It can be forwarded to your employer as a photo immediately; the original follows by post.

How a weekend house call works

You call. We record symptoms, address, insurance status and phone number. Within minutes you have a realistic arrival window. The physician on duty calls you shortly before arrival. On site you receive a thorough examination — no three-minute consult. Diagnostics (rapid tests, ECG, pulse oximetry) are added as clinically appropriate. Treatment happens in your living room or bedroom.

You receive a prescription (we can direct you to a Berlin emergency pharmacy on duty), a sick note and the GOÄ invoice. If needed, we arrange a follow-up check or refer you to a Berlin GP or specialist on Monday.

GOÄ weekend surcharges — what it means in practice

The GOÄ defines surcharges for medical services on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays. For privately insured patients this is normally without consequence — your PKV reimburses the full amount, weekend surcharge included. The same applies to civil servants with Beihilfe entitlement: Beihilfe and supplementary insurance together cover the whole bill.

Self-payers should expect a weekend visit invoice between EUR 240 and 400, depending on diagnostics and time of day. We give you a realistic range on the phone and itemise the invoice by GOÄ code. For life-threatening emergencies, call 112 — also on weekends. For statutory on-call advice, 116117 is the right number. We are the private alternative, not a replacement.