Find a paediatrician near you

Find a paediatrician near you: understanding parents’ concerns and finding help quickly

Your child’s health is your top priority. If your child suddenly falls ill or you are concerned about their symptoms, parents often look for a paediatrician nearby at short notice. However, this search can prove challenging, particularly in rural areas or in urban centres where practices are overwhelmed.

Finding a paediatrician’s practice: why it is often difficult

The availability of paediatric care varies greatly. Many parents looking for a paediatrician in their local area find that waiting lists are full or that practices are no longer accepting new patients. The reasons for this are complex and often stem from a general shortage of services and high demand. This situation frequently leads to anxiety among parents and a feeling that they are left to cope on their own in an emergency.

It is important to understand that paediatric care in Germany is organised on a regional basis. In principle, you are free to choose your doctor, although there may be difficulties in securing long-term care. However, in cases of acute need or when symptoms need to be assessed, other doctors can often provide initial care.

• Changing paediatricians: Even if you move house or are dissatisfied, it is possible to find a new paediatrician.
• Medical emergencies: If you experience sudden, worrying symptoms, you should seek immediate medical attention.
• Prevention: A dedicated point of contact is needed for screening tests and vaccinations.

When should I take my child to the paediatrician – and when should I contact the emergency service?

Many parents find it difficult to decide when to take their child to the GP’s surgery or even to a local paediatric emergency service. The nature of the symptoms and the child’s general condition are key factors in this decision.

Typical symptoms that require prompt medical attention:

There are certain symptoms for which you should seek medical advice without delay:

• A persistent high fever (over 39 °C) that shows little response to antipyretics.
• Sudden, severe abdominal pain.
• Signs of dehydration (dry lips, sunken eyes, low urine output).
• Shortness of breath or rapid, shallow breathing.
• Rashes that do not fade when pressed (petechial haemorrhages).

When the paediatric emergency service is an option:

The paediatric emergency service is the right place to turn to if the surgery is closed but you cannot wait until the next working day. This is the case if your child’s condition suddenly takes a turn for the worse or if symptoms arise that, whilst not life-threatening, are urgent (e.g. a high fever at the weekend, severe earache). For life-threatening emergencies (such as serious injuries or loss of consciousness), please always dial the emergency number 112.

Digital support: The children’s consultation as an alternative

If you are unable to secure a last-minute appointment with a paediatrician in your area, or if you want quick clarification regarding symptoms that are unclear but not urgent, a video consultation with a paediatrician can be a valuable alternative.

TeleClinic offers a paediatric consultation service for this purpose. This service is specifically aimed at parents who need an initial assessment of their children’s general symptoms or treatments, or who are unsure about what steps to take next. Requests are forwarded directly to paediatricians via the TeleClinic app.

Advantages of video consultations:

• Quick assessment: Initial evaluation without long waiting times.
• Available anywhere: Help is on hand even if you can’t find a paediatrician nearby.
• Initial consultation: Discussing symptoms and the next steps (e.g. when an in-person appointment is essential).

Important: Telemedicine is intended to complement care provided by your GP. A physical examination is essential for many conditions. You can request a sick note for a child or prescriptions for medication via TeleClinic. Whether these are issued is always at the doctor’s discretion and will be decided during the video consultation.

How do I find a good new paediatrician nearby?

If you’re not just looking to deal with an emergency but are searching for a good paediatrician in your area for the long term, there are several promising options:

• 1. Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians (KV): On the websites of the Associations of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians in the federal states, you will find search functions for registered doctors. There, you can search specifically for paediatricians in your postcode area.
• 2. Recommendations: Ask other parents in your local area or in parents’ groups for personal recommendations. This is often the best way to find a good paediatrician nearby who is also a good fit for you personally.
• 3. Online review sites: Use review sites as a starting point. Bear in mind, however, that it is difficult to assess objective medical quality.

In summary: Finding a paediatrician often requires patience and some research. However, the doctors at TeleClinic can be a valuable first point of contact for quickly resolving any uncertainties and providing guidance on what to do next, particularly if you are unable to find a paediatrician in your area at short notice.

Sources/evidence

• Kassenärztliche Bundesvereinigung (KBV) – Ärztliche Bereitschaftsdienste (https://www.kbv.de/html/aerztlicher-bereitschaftsdienst.php)
• Robert Koch-Institut (RKI) – Fieber bei Kindern (https://www.rki.de/SharedDocs/FAQ/Krankenhaushygiene/FAQ/Fieber_bei_Kindern.html)
• Bundesärztekammer – Informationen zur Telemedizin (https://www.bundesaerztekammer.de/themen/digitalisierung/telemedizin)