Acute symptoms · Berlin
Sore throat and tonsillitis
Sore throat and tonsillitis is an acute medical condition that RAB Arztbesuche treats with a licensed physician on a home visit anywhere in Berlin — daily from 6 am to midnight, usually within 60 to 90 minutes.
Severe sore throat with fever, swollen lymph nodes and painful swallowing is among the most common reasons for calling a doctor. Our specialist physicians come to your home or hotel daily from 6 am to midnight, clarify with a 5-minute streptococcus rapid test and treat precisely — including avoiding unnecessary antibiotics.
Medically reviewed by Susanne Reiche · Last reviewed
Sore throat in Berlin — targeted workup instead of blanket antibiotics
Most sore throats are viral and resolve without specific therapy. In a subset of patients — particularly children and young adults — Group A streptococcal infection is responsible and should be treated with antibiotics to prevent complications such as rheumatic fever or glomerulonephritis. Clinical discrimination alone is not always reliable.
This is where the house call adds value. We bring the streptococcal rapid test, which delivers a reliable result in about five minutes, and decide on therapy with you on that basis. This avoids both missed antibiotics for bacterial tonsillitis and unnecessary antibiotics for viral pharyngitis.
What the specialist does on site
We take a structured history (duration, fever, swallowing, voice, comorbidities) and examine the throat and tonsils under good lighting. We palpate the cervical lymph nodes, assess skin findings (scarlet fever?) and check mouth opening. The streptococcus rapid test is taken with a tonsil swab. With a positive result and matching clinical picture we prescribe penicillin V according to guidelines; with penicillin allergy an alternative. With a negative test we discuss symptomatic therapy.
When the house call is not enough
Marked one-sided tonsillar swelling with deviation of the soft palate, restricted mouth opening and muffled voice raises suspicion of a peritonsillar abscess — this requires ENT review with possible incision. Suspected epiglottitis (rapidly progressive swallowing difficulty, drooling, stridor) belongs immediately in hospital. Our physician recognises these warning signs, organises the referral and issues an admission letter.
How the house call works
On first contact we clarify onset, associated symptoms, fever course, comorbidities and allergies (particularly penicillin). If anything suggests a dangerous ENT complication we direct you straight to a suitable hospital. Otherwise we dispatch the next available specialist.
On site we examine, run the rapid test and discuss the result with you. We issue a prescription where indicated, name an open pharmacy and provide a sick-leave certificate as well as a nursery or school certificate on request.
Billing and insurance
We bill according to the GOÄ via our Privatärztliche Verrechnungsstelle. House call, examination and rapid test are itemised separately. German private health insurance and Beihilfe schemes typically reimburse these positions in full.
We issue an English invoice for international guests on request and remain reachable by phone for billing questions after the 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.
Case profiles
Typical scenarios
Adult with suspected strep throat
A patient in Mitte has had severe sore throat, fever and visible tonsillar exudate for two days. The rapid test clarifies on site whether an antibiotic is appropriate.
Child with suspected scarlet fever
A school-age child in Pankow has sore throat, strawberry tongue and a fine-spotted rash. Streptococcus rapid test and immediate antibiotic therapy if positive.
Hotel guest with viral pharyngitis
A traveller at a hotel in Charlottenburg has had sore throat without fever since arrival. We clarify, reassure and recommend symptomatic measures.
Suspected peritonsillar abscess
With one-sided major swelling and restricted mouth opening we direct the patient straight to an ENT department and issue the admission letter.
Frequently asked questions
Do I always need an antibiotic for a sore throat?
No. Around 70 to 80 percent of sore throats are viral and heal without antibiotics. Antibiotic therapy is only indicated for documented streptococcal infection. The rapid test provides certainty.
My child has sore throat and a rash — is it scarlet fever?
Possibly. Sore throat with a sandpaper-like rash and strawberry tongue is classic. The streptococcus test gives quick certainty and on a positive result we start antibiotic therapy.
How quickly does the antibiotic work?
Clear improvement is typically expected within 24 to 48 hours. Completing the full course remains important.
Can you issue a sick note for a sore throat?
Yes. We can issue a sick-leave certificate on site, as well as a nursery or school certificate for affected children.
Book now or call
Get in touch — we will arrange a doctor for your house call regarding Sore throat and tonsillitis.