Sick note via telephone*

Sick note by telephone – procedure, requirements, alternatives & more

Adults, children and their caring parents can take sick leave by telephone for up to 5 days. The answers to the most important questions:

Abstract

• Certificates of incapacity for work by telephone are possible for minor illnesses and symptoms.
• Patients can take up to five days off sick by telephone following a doctor’s assessment. An electronic sick note via online consultation is valid for up to three days.
• A telephone call or video call with a doctor is required.
• TeleClinic does not issue a certificate of incapacity for work by telephone, but patients can receive an electronic sick note via video call at the doctor’s discretion.

Who can obtain a sick note by telephone?

The requirements for a certificate of incapacity for work by telephone (also known as a telephone certificate of incapacity for work) are

• The patient must already be known and the doctor must be able to form a clear picture of the patient’s state of health on the basis of the telephone conversation in order to make a diagnosis.
• Minor illnesses such as respiratory tract infections, corona, colds, flu or gastrointestinal complaints.
• Serious illnesses or symptoms preclude sick leave by telephone.
• The doctor must ensure that remote treatment and diagnosis is possible and responsible.

How long is the sick note valid for?

A sick note issued by your GP by telephone can be valid for up to five days. If necessary and after another telephone consultation, a follow-up certificate can be issued. However, this is only possible if the doctor has examined the patient directly in person in the meantime and establishes incapacity for work due to the same illness or symptoms. You can request an eAU for three days by video call via TeleClinic.

How does sick leave by telephone work?

The process of taking sick leave by phone begins with a call to your GP, who will provide medical care remotely. During the call, the doctor will ask the patient detailed questions about their symptoms and general health in order to make a diagnosis.

Is it still possible to call in sick?

Yes, since December 7, 2023, sick leave by telephone has been possible for minor illnesses under certain conditions.

How does the sick note reach the employer?

The doctor’s surgery sends the sick note to the statutory health insurance fund. People with statutory health insurance report sick to their employer and the employer can retrieve the digital sick note from the health insurance fund. Privately insured persons still have to take care of sending their certificate of incapacity for work in paper form to the employer and the insurance company.

Can a doctor refuse to issue a sick note by telephone?

Sick notes and prescriptions are always issued at the doctor’s discretion. If the doctor sees no reason for a sick note, he can refuse the patient’s request.

Can children also be given sick leave by telephone?

Parents can request a sick note for their children by telephone from their family doctor. To do so, the child must be known to the practice and must not be suffering from severe symptoms.

Is sick leave by telephone permitted in all German federal states?

Whether NRW, Bavaria, Lower Saxony, Berlin or Hesse – a sick note by telephone is permitted nationwide.

Sick notes by phone facilitate access to medical services and offer patients a safe and convenient way to get the rest they need to recover without having to leave the house.