GOÄ no. 34: Discussion (≥ 20 min) of a serious illness

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

Section B – Basic and general services · Category: Counselling & discussion

Official German wording: „Erörterung (Dauer mindestens 20 Minuten) der Auswirkungen einer Krankheit auf die Lebensgestaltung in unmittelbarem Zusammenhang mit der Feststellung oder erheblichen Verschlimmerung einer nachhaltig lebensverändernden oder lebensbedrohenden Erkrankung - gegebenenfalls einschließlich Planung eines operativen Eingriffs und Abwägung seiner Konsequenzen und Risiken -, einschließlich Beratung - gegebenenfalls unter Einbeziehung von Bezugspersonen -“

300 points · €17.49 (1.0×) · €40.22 (2.3×, threshold) · €61.20 (3.5×, maximum)

Fees

FactorAmount
1.0×€17.49single rate
2.3×€40.22threshold – above it a written justification (§ 12(3))
3.5×€61.20maximum

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)

Exclusions and rules

Typical occasions in dermatology

Conversation about the impact on daily life when a lastingly life-changing or life-threatening disease has been diagnosed or has worsened markedly – e.g. after a melanoma diagnosis, possibly including planning of surgery.

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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.