Hamburg’s Doctor Call Service 116 117 Becomes Increasingly Popular
Hamburg, January 29 – The ‘Arztruf Hamburg’ (Doctor Call Hamburg) service, providing medical assistance through the 116 117 hotline, has become increasingly popular among residents. The number of calls to the service, which is operated by the Kassenärztliche Vereinigung Hamburg (KVH), rose by approximately three percent between 2023 and 2025, according to data released by the KVH.
In 2023, the hotline received 289,223 calls. This figure increased to 292,153 calls in 2024 and further to 303,952 calls in 2025. These numbers encompass both the medical on-call service and the appointment service. Marthe Hartig, spokesperson for the Kassenärztliche Vereinigung Hamburg, viewed these statistics positively, stating, “The evaluations of the medical on-call service show that it makes a significant contribution to outpatient acute care and noticeably relieves the central emergency rooms of Hamburg’s hospitals.”
Comprehensive Medical Assistance Around the Clock
The ‘Arztruf Hamburg’ service (https://arztruf-hamburg.de) provides round-the-clock medical assistance under the telephone number 116 117. Trained medical personnel assess callers’ needs and, if necessary, arrange further services. These include telephonic medical advice, a home visit by the mobile emergency service, or the option to visit a KVH emergency practice. The appointment service (Terminservicestelle – TSS) also facilitates timely appointments with general practitioners and specialists in Hamburg.
The majority of appointments booked through the TSS, whether by phone, doctor referral, internet, or app, were with general practitioners, internists, neurologists, and radiologists. This indicates a broad utilization of the service across various medical specializations, highlighting its versatility and importance in the city’s healthcare infrastructure.
Relief for Hospital Emergency Rooms
The increasing reliance on the ‘Arztruf Hamburg’ service has had a tangible impact on the city’s healthcare system. By providing an accessible alternative for non-life-threatening medical concerns, the service helps to divert patients from overcrowded hospital emergency rooms. This allows emergency departments to focus on critical cases, improving overall efficiency and patient care for those in urgent need.
The KVH emphasizes that the service is designed to bridge the gap between regular doctor’s office hours and severe emergencies, ensuring that residents have access to appropriate medical care at any time. This systematic approach to healthcare provision is crucial for managing patient flow and optimizing the use of medical resources in a large urban area like Hamburg.
The continuous growth in call volumes suggests a rising public awareness and trust in the ‘Arztruf Hamburg’ service. Its ability to offer diverse medical support, from simple consultations to arranging specialized appointments, positions it as a vital component of Hamburg’s healthcare landscape, contributing to the well-being of its citizens and the stability of its medical facilities.
Source: https://www.borkenerzeitung.de/nachrichten/Arztruf-Hamburg-116-117-wird-immer-beliebter-714862.html
