GoÄ Notice: Modern Medicine – Outdated Fee Schedule

The Medical Fee Schedule (GOÄ) has remained unchanged for decades and no longer reflects modern medical standards. Despite extensive efforts by the German Medical Association, the government – particularly the Federal Minister of Health—has failed to implement the urgently needed reform. As a result, many medical services can only be billed using outdated analog valuations, often leading to confusing invoices for patients. A striking example is the consultation fee, which has remained unchanged at €10.72 since 1996.

Since political action remains absent, physicians must now make use of the limited options within the GOÄ. This may include higher billing rates for particularly complex procedures when justified. In some cases, a separate fee agreement may be necessary, which could mean additional costs not always covered by private health insurance or government aid programs.

As the GOÄ reform is long overdue, doctors feel compelled to take these measures. They ask for patients’ understanding and support in urging policymakers to act. The goal remains a fair compensation system that ensures high-quality medical care for all patients.

You can download the brochure in german from the Bundesärztekammer at the following link.