GOÄ no. 298: Swab for microbiology

By Dr. Pascal Bafteh, board-certified dermatologist and internist · Updated 10/2026

Section C – Special services not tied to a specialty · Category: Special dermatological procedures

Official German wording: „Entnahme und gegebenenfalls Aufbereitung von Abstrichmaterial zur mikrobiologischen Untersuchung - gegebenenfalls einschließlich Fixierung -“

40 points · €2.33 (1.0×) · €5.36 (2.3×, threshold) · €8.16 (3.5×, maximum)

Fees

Factor	Amount
1.0×	€2.33	single rate
2.3×	€5.36	threshold – above it a written justification (§ 12(3))
3.5×	€8.16	maximum

Personal medical service: range 1.0 to 3.5, threshold 2.3 (§ 5(2) GOÄ). A factor above the threshold is only allowed for particular circumstances of the individual case (difficulty, time, circumstances) and must be justified in writing.

Official provisions (German)

„Mit der Gebühr sind die Kosten abgegolten.“

Typical occasions in dermatology

Taking material to detect pathogens (bacteria, fungi, viruses), e.g. from an oozing or purulent lesion.

More items in this category

297 – Smear for cytology 741 – Cauterisation with hot air or steam 250 – Venous blood sampling 742 – Facial electro-epilation in endocrine disease 743 – Grinding, abrading or milling skin or nails 744 – Punching of the skin 745 – Curettage (granulation tissue, up to three warts 746 – Electrolysis or cautery (stand-alone)

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Source: German fee schedule for physicians (GOÄ), schedule of fees – gesetze-im-internet.de.

Applies to private medical services under the GOÄ; not to statutory health insurance (EBM). New GOÄ: the German Medical Association considers entry into force on 1 January 2028 realistic. Official wording and points: gesetze-im-internet.de; amounts = points × €0.0582873 × factor (§ 5(1) GOÄ). Data checked: 09/10/2026.