GOÄ no. 523: Extramuscular massage, manual lymph drainage

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

Section E – Physical medicine · Category: Physical therapy

Official German wording: „Massage im extramuskulären Bereich (z.B. Bindegewebsmassage, Periostmassage, manuelle Lymphdrainage)“

65 points · €3.79 (1.0×) · €6.82 (1.8×, threshold) · €9.47 (2.5×, maximum)

Fees

Factor	Amount
1.0×	€3.79	single rate
1.8×	€6.82	threshold – above it a written justification (§ 12(3))
2.5×	€9.47	maximum

Service from section A, E or O: range 1.0 to 2.5, threshold 1.8 (§ 5(3) 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.

Typical occasions in dermatology

Connective-tissue or periosteal massage or manual lymph drainage, e.g. for lymphoedema.

More items in this category

530 – Cold or hot pack, hot roll, per session 535 – Hot-air treatment of one body part

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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.