Doctor to conduct telemedicine appointment via video call instead of an in-person house visit

On-call service overhaul in Heidekreis, Lower Saxony beginning July 1st, with the goal of enhancing service efficiency and attractiveness.

, and Administrator

2025 September 19 . 8:13 AM

2 min read

Virtual Doctor Consultation Through Video Call Instead of In-Person Visit

Doctor to conduct telemedicine appointment via video call instead of an in-person house visit

The German healthcare system is set for a significant change as Lower Saxony leads the nationwide reform of the medical on-call service, effective from July 1. This transformation aims to enhance medical care, particularly in rural areas.

Dr. Ralf Klask, chairman of the Solâr Medical Association, is among those supporting the reform, citing the outdated structure and the pressing issue of doctor shortage as key reasons.

Under the reform, the statutory health insurance on-call service will continue to provide care outside of normal practice hours. However, weekend and holiday house calls will be replaced with telemedical doctor contact via video or phone call. This new approach aims to reduce travel times for both patients and doctors, making healthcare more accessible.

The Kassenärztliche Vereinigung (KV), specifically KV Berlin, is the organisation responsible for managing the nationwide 116117 number, through which patients can contact the medical on-call service. This number will remain the point of contact for insured patients seeking medical assistance outside of regular hours.

It's important to note that 116117 is not intended for life-threatening cases. For emergencies, the number 112 should be called immediately. Appointments with doctors and psychotherapists can be made, or initial contact persons sought, via the number 116117.

The reform also introduces the use of artificial intelligence to support the initial assessment of the illness, helping to streamline the process and ensure quicker access to medical care.

Despite the shift towards telemedicine, house calls by doctors will still be ensured in some cases. However, video or telephone consultations will replace house calls in most instances, providing a more efficient and timely service.

The medical on-call service number 116117 is available around the clock and is free of charge for insured patients. This reform process includes a telemedical doctor contact within 30 minutes of the initial call, further improving the speed and efficiency of the service.

In summary, the reform of the medical on-call service in Germany aims to improve healthcare, particularly in rural areas, by introducing telemedicine and streamlining the process through the use of artificial intelligence. The number 116117 remains the point of contact for insured patients seeking medical assistance outside of regular hours, and the statutory health insurance on-call service will continue to provide care outside of normal practice hours.