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Health · Germany
Updated September 2026

🏥 I have a complaint about a doctor or hospital — who do I go to?

Direct answer

Start with the complaints officer of the hospital or practice — every provider must have one, and most issues are resolved there with an explanation or apology. If not, Unabhängige Patientenberatung Deutschland (UPD) (0800 011 77 22) is the independent body for patient complaints in Germany: free, and it can investigate. Concerns about a doctor's fitness to practise go to Landesärztekammer (bundesaerztekammer.de). For compensation after a treatment error, Krankenkasse — MD-Gutachten / Gutachterkommission or a lawyer — and ask for your full medical file first, which you are entitled to.

Call firstUnabhängige Patientenberatung Deutschland (UPD)
Report toLandesärztekammer
If that failsKrankenkasse — MD-Gutachten / Gutachterkommission

🗣️ What to say

"On [date] I was treated at [provider] by [name]. I want to make a formal complaint about [what happened]. I request a written response, and a copy of my complete medical file."

🪜 Step by step

  1. Ask for your fileYou have the right to a copy of your records. Get it before anything else; it is the evidence.
  2. Complaints officer firstIn writing, with dates and names. A response within a set time is mandatory.
  3. Not resolved: Unabhängige Patientenberatung Deutschland (UPD)The patient ombudsman or complaints commission investigates independently and free of charge.
  4. Professional conduct: LandesärztekammerThe medical council or disciplinary board deals with the doctor's conduct, not with your compensation.
  5. Compensation: Krankenkasse — MD-Gutachten / GutachterkommissionLiability claims run through the provider's insurer or a compensation scheme; deadlines apply from the moment you knew of the harm.

📇 All contacts

Unabhängige Patientenberatung Deutschland (UPD)Free, neutral advice on complaints and rightsFirst stop outside the hospital📞 0800 011 77 22🔗 www.patientenberatung.de
LandesärztekammerProfessional oversight of doctorsFor conduct that breaches professional rules🔗 www.bundesaerztekammer.de/ueber-uns/landesaerztekammern
Krankenkasse — MD-Gutachten / GutachterkommissionFree expert opinion on suspected treatment errorsBefore claiming compensation🔗 www.bundesaerztekammer.de/patienten/gutachterkommissionen-schlichtungsstellen

❓ Frequently asked

Can I switch doctor during the complaint?

Yes, at any time. The complaint does not affect your right to care.

Is there a deadline?

Complaints: usually none, but sooner is stronger. Compensation claims: often 3–5 years from discovery. Ask Unabhängige Patientenberatung Deutschland (UPD).

They say the file is "internal"

It is not. Your medical records are yours to read and copy; refusal is itself a complaint for Unabhängige Patientenberatung Deutschland (UPD).

📎 Sources

Last checked: 2026-09-26

🔎 Common searches

Recognise your own search? The answer above covers all of these.

  • “complaint about doctor Germany”
  • “patient ombudsman Germany”
  • “hospital complaint procedure”
  • “medical error compensation Germany”
  • “get my medical records”

🧭 Is this still correct?

We check this information carefully, but phone numbers, websites and rules change — and sometimes we get something wrong. Spotted a mistake or a change? Let us know below.

🔗 Related questions

⚕️Medical negligence→👨‍⚕️Find a doctor→🧒Child at risk→♿Care support refused→

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