Telephone Sick Leave: What's Changing and Why You Should Care
Key Takeaways
- Telephone sick notes are back and can be used permanently, but only for up to five days.
- The rules differ from the coronavirus era, and patients must meet certain eligibility criteria.
- On average, every working person in Germany takes around 9.5 days of sick leave each year, setting a new record.
- The most common diagnoses for sick leave include flu and colds, psychological disorders, and musculoskeletal disorders.
An In-depth Look at Telephone Sick Notes
The latest news in healthcare is the return of telephone sick notes, which can now be used permanently. But, before you grab your phone and call in, there are some important things you should know.
The Return of Telephone Sick Notes
On Thursday, the Federal Joint Committee (G-BA) for the healthcare system passed a regulation to allow telephone sick notes once again. However, unlike during the coronavirus era, phone-in sick notes are limited to five days, not seven.
Who is Eligible?
According to the Committee, the following criteria must be met for people to use telephone sick notes:
- Video consultations are not possible.
- The patient must be known to the GP practice.
- Patients must not have symptoms that are considered severe.
Germans currently go to the doctor for respiratory infections at a rate of around 2,000 visits per week. While the number of severe respiratory diseases caused by the RS virus is increasing, it is still a relatively small number.
Increasing Frequency of Sick Leave
Data from Techniker Krankenkasse indicates that, in the first six months of 2023, every working person in Germany took an average of 9.5 days of sick leave, setting a new record. In comparison, the average number of sick days in the first half of 2022 was 9.1 days.
Most Common Diagnoses for Sick Leave
The main reason for sick leave is flu and colds, which account for an average of 2.5 sick days per individual. Psychological diagnoses are the second most common reason for sick leave, with an average of 1.74 sick days per person, while musculoskeletal disorders such as back pain account for 1.36 sick days.
Opinion on Telephone Sick Notes
According to an opinion research institute survey, around two-thirds of Germans would be in favor of phone-in sick notes, with about 67% saying they are "completely" or "somewhat" in favor of the option. Only about 20% of people surveyed stated that they would rather or completely reject the option.
Concerns among Employers
While doctors and many patients are in favor of telephone sick notes, some employers may have concerns about the validity of phone-in sick notes, particularly if the worker's symptoms are severe. In such cases, the patient may be required to seek a traditional in-person medical consultation to obtain proper documentation before taking sick leave.
Go Digital with Your Healthcare Needs
With the return of telephone sick notes and the increasing prevalence of online healthcare services, it's clear that going digital is the future of healthcare. Whether it's booking appointments, scheduling tests, or even obtaining sick notes, apps and online platforms are making it easier than ever to manage your health from the convenience of your own home.
