Sick Leave by Phone Now Possible in Germany's Medical Practices
In a recent announcement, the Joint Federal Committee, stationed in Berlin, Germany, has introduced a new regulation allowing patients to obtain a sick note via telephone. Effective immediately, this regulation primarily applies to patients with recognized health issues and no severe symptoms. Video consultations are not an option in such cases. The new rule aims to alleviate the burden on medical practice teams and decreases the risk of infection in waiting rooms.
Initiated during the coronavirus pandemic, special regulations for telephone-issued sick notes underwent multiple extensions before expiring in the spring. The latest decision, inspired by Germany's traffic light coalition, transforms this temporary measure into a permanent fixture. Last summer, the coalition authorized the Federal Joint Committee to establish regulations concerning telephone-based sick notes, aiming to support medical practice teams and safeguard public health.
Relevant Insights:
- Digital Transformation: Since 2023, doctors have begun digitally transmitting sick notes (AU certificates) to healthcare insurance providers. This shift minimizes the need for physical office visits, decreasing risk of infection in waiting rooms [1][2].
- Telemedicine: While obtaining a sick note through phone or video consultations is an option, patients must consider their specific health condition. This digitally-driven approach not only reduces the risk of transmission but also boosts overall convenience [1][2].
- Digital Health Insurance Card: Electronic health insurance cards are utilized for registration at medical practice receptions, further reducing physical contact and potential infection [2].
By integrating telemedicine and digital sick note transmission, Germany is streamlining the process of obtaining medical certificates while simultaneously prioritizing infection prevention.
