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Health · Germany
Updated September 2026

👨‍⚕️ I cannot find a family doctor who takes new patients — who helps?

Direct answer

GP shortages are real in most of Europe, but you are entitled to primary care, and someone is responsible for finding it. Start with Deine Krankenkasse (116117) — your health insurer or the public health service — which keeps the list of practices accepting patients and in many countries must assign you one if you cannot find one. Unabhängige Patientenberatung Deutschland (UPD) (0800 011 77 22) is the official practice finder and advice line. If nothing works, Ordnungsamt / Bürgeramt der Stadt (115) has a duty to ensure care in the area and can intervene.

Call firstDeine Krankenkasse
Report toUnabhängige Patientenberatung Deutschland (UPD)
If that failsOrdnungsamt / Bürgeramt der Stadt

🗣️ What to say

"I live at [address] and have been unable to register with a family doctor: [practices] have refused because they are full. I ask you to assign me a practice or to tell me which practices in my area are obliged to accept me."

🪜 Step by step

  1. Use the official finderUnabhängige Patientenberatung Deutschland (UPD) lists practices with open lists; call in the morning, ask to be put on the waiting list.
  2. Ask the insurer: Deine KrankenkasseMany insurers must find you a doctor within a set distance or time; put the request in writing.
  3. Urgent care meanwhileOut-of-hours services and walk-in clinics do not require registration; pharmacies handle minor issues.
  4. Municipality: Ordnungsamt / Bürgeramt der StadtLocal authorities that fund practices can lean on them; a written request often works.
  5. Register the day a spot opensBring ID, insurance card and, if you have it, your previous records.

📇 All contacts

Deine KrankenkasseDoctor search, appointment service 116117, cost coverageFor finding a doctor and coverage questions📞 116117🔗 www.116117.de
Unabhängige Patientenberatung Deutschland (UPD)Free, neutral advice on complaints and rightsFirst stop outside the hospital📞 0800 011 77 22🔗 www.patientenberatung.de
Ordnungsamt / Bürgeramt der StadtPublic-order office: nuisances, noise, waste, registration, lost propertyFor anything the city regulates📞 115🔗 www.behoerdenfinder.de
Petitionsausschuss / Bürgerbeauftragte der LänderComplaints about authorities, inaction, unfair treatmentWhen the authority does not answer or acts unfairly🔗 epetitionen.bundestag.de

❓ Frequently asked

I am new to the country and not yet insured

Emergency care is always given. Register with the insurer first — the insurance card is what practices ask for.

Can a practice refuse me?

Only for capacity reasons, not because of your condition or origin. A refusal for another reason is a complaint to Ordnungsamt / Bürgeramt der Stadt or the equality body.

Can I see a specialist without a GP?

In most countries a referral is needed for reimbursement; the insurer explains the exceptions (eye, dental, gynaecology).

📎 Sources

Last checked: 2026-09-26

🔎 Common searches

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

  • “find gp accepting new patients Germany”
  • “no family doctor what to do”
  • “register with doctor Germany”
  • “health insurer assign doctor”
  • “doctor shortage who to contact”

🧭 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 complaint→🧠Mental health waiting list→🧒Child at risk→♿Care support refused→

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