(Update from 19.11.2024, further updates will follow shortly. This article was originally published on 30/03/2020)
The choice of providers for video consultations was already very limited before the Corona pandemic considerable. However, it is only in recent years that digital consultations via video call have made a breakthrough and become firmly established in everyday practice. We have scrutinised all KBV-certified providers and identified key features that can help you find the right provider for your practice.
The advantages of video consultations are obvious: patients save themselves the journey and the time spent in the waiting room. They can communicate confidently with their doctor in a face-to-face situation, regardless of where they are at the moment.
Another important advantage is that the video consultation is the fastest and safest solution for communicating with potentially infectious patients. Doctors can thus protect their other patients, their team, but also themselves and their families from possible infection. In addition, offering a video consultation is another building block for Successful practice marketingthat allows you to stand out from the competition - at least for the time being.
Video consultations offer many advantages for patients and practices - if they are cleverly integrated into everyday practice routines and the right providers are chosen.
For which specialisms is the video consultation suitable?
Of course, the video consultation is not equally suitable for all medical specialities. For certain examinations, a visit to the practice is simply essential.
The benefits for practices specialising purely in diagnostics with complex diagnostic procedures (e.g. MRI examinations) are naturally rather limited. For psychotherapists, on the other hand, completely new possibilities are opening up, as many counselling therapies can be carried out digitally without any problems. GPs and specialists such as dermatologists or endocrinologists can also benefit from video consultations, particularly when discussing findings or assessing certain symptoms before a personal appointment is necessary.
In general, this opens up new opportunities for doctors to organise their practices, for example through fixed time slots for digital consultations or the care of patients in more rural regions.
In principle, the video consultation is therefore suitable for initial consultations, discussions of findings, follow-up checks, queries and, if necessary, obtaining second opinions. In many cases, it can be a useful addition to traditional consultations - but without replacing them completely.
The Pupil diagnostics is an example of an examination that is difficult or impossible to perform by video consultation, as it requires a precise assessment of the pupil's reaction to light stimulation.
Picture: www.giphy.com
KBV-certified providers at a glance
Note: Further updates are currently in progress (as of 19/11/2024)
Below we present all KBV-certified providers for video consultations and show you how their portfolios and services differ from one another. In particular, we compare the prices, contract terms and some selected services. In this way, we help you to find out which platform is right for you. However, due to the large number of providers, we only "scratch the surface" and do not go into more detail about the respective advantages and disadvantages of the providers. Nevertheless, we hope that our overview of providers will provide you as a doctor with an initial basis for making a decision.
The following list includes all providers that were listed as certified providers on the KBV website in November 2024 (source https://www.kbv.de). For private practices, there are also other providers that can be considered - for example Cry. The Swedish start-up with a second office in Berlin is considered a pioneer and has enjoyed growing popularity in Sweden for years.
Please note, however:
The following overview is a highly abbreviated representation of the scope of services offered by the respective providers. Depending on the provider, there may be upgrade options that enable additional services. Unfortunately, not all providers completed and returned our standardised questionnaire - but we are continuously working to close the existing gaps in terms of duration, costs and scope of services.
To make the following table easier to read on a smartphone/tablet, we recommend viewing it in landscape format.
| Provider | Domain / Name | Costs | Minimum term | Special features according to the provider |
| 24Health GmbH | → VS Platform24 | follows | follows | follows |
| almeda GmbH | → almeda VS | from 0,00 € | 3 months | ✅ Test free of charge ✅ No software installation ✅ Can be used with mobile phone/tablet ✅ Screen sharing ✅ Sending images/files Chat function ✅ Multiple language versions |
| arztkonsultation ak GmbH | → arztkonsultation.de | 15,97 € (Basic) 41.18 € (practice) Or: 1.67 € (per call) | 1 month | ✅ Test free of charge ✅ No software installation ✅ Can be used with mobile phone/tablet ✅ Screen sharing ✅ Shipping images/files ❌ Chat function ✅ Multiple language versions |
| avodaq AG | → medical.cary.video | on request | 12 months | ✅ Test free of charge ❌ No software installation ✅ Can be used with mobile phone/tablet ✅ Screen sharing ❌ Shipping images/files ❌ Chat function ✅ Multiple language versions |
| Awesome Technologies Innovationslabor GmbH | → amp.care | follows | follows | follows |
| Awesome Technologies Innovationslabor GmbH | → AMP.chat | 29,90 € (20 users) 49,90 € (50 users) Or: on request [2] | 24 months | ❌ Test free of charge ✅ No software installation ✅ Can be used with mobile phone/tablet ❌ Screen sharing ✅ Shipping images/files Chat function ❌ Multiple language versions |
| Awesome Technologies Innovationslabor GmbH | → Caritas Messenger | follows | follows | follows |
| Bavarian TelemedAllianz UG | → doccura.de | 30,24 € (Starter) 38,65 € (Standard) 47,05 € (Premium) | 12 months | ✅ Test free of charge ✅ No software installation ✅ Can be used with mobile phone/tablet ✅ Screen sharing ✅ Sending images/files Chat function ✅ Multiple language versions |
| BDS Digital Health Solutions GmbH | → MedKitDoc VS | follows | follows | follows |
| Bilduin GmbH | → ecosero video consultation | 19,99 € (12 months) 24,99 € (6 months) 27,99 € (3 months) | 3 months | ✅ Test free of charge ✅ No software installation ✅ Can be used with mobile phone/tablet ✅ Screen sharing ✅ Sending images/files Chat function ✅ Multiple language versions |
| Consularia GmbH | → consularia.live | 29,90 € (flat rate) 19,90 € (50 individual consultations & 5 group consultations) 14,90 € (50 individual consultations) 0,00 € (5 individual consultations) | 1 month | ✅ Test free of charge ✅ No software installation ✅ Can be used with mobile phone/tablet ✅ Screen sharing ❌ Shipping images/files Chat function ✅ Multiple language versions |
| Digineo GmbH | → eSprechstunde.net | follows | follows | follows |
| Docs in Clouds Telecare GmbH | → docsinclouds.com | follows | follows | follows |
| Doctena Germany GmbH | → doctena.com | 39.90 € (flat rate) Or: 3,00 € (per call) | 4 months (flat rate) 12 months (flat rate) none (pay-per-call) | ❌ Test free of charge ✅ No software installation ❌ Can be used with mobile phone/tablet ✅ Screen sharing ❌ Shipping images/files ❌ Chat function ✅ Multiple language versions |
| Doctolib GmbH | → doctolib.de | 108,40 € | 1 month | ✅ Test free of charge ✅ No software installation ✅ Can be used with mobile phone/tablet ✅ Screen sharing ✅ Sending images/files ❌ Chat function ❌ Multiple language versions |
| Doktorde GmbH | → doktor.de | follows | follows | follows |
| Epikur Software & IT-Service GmbH | → epikur.de | 36,00 € (pack of 10) 69,00 € (pack of 20) 165,00 € (pack of 50) | none | ❌ Test free of charge ✅ No software installation ✅ Can be used with mobile phone/tablet ✅ Screen sharing ❌ Shipping images/files Chat function ❌ Multiple language versions |
| Epikur Software & IT-Service GmbH | → epikur.de | 39,00 € | 3 months | ❌ Test free of charge ✅ No software installation ✅ Can be used with mobile phone/tablet ✅ Screen sharing ❌ Shipping images/files Chat function ❌ Multiple language versions |
| Facharzt-Sofort GmbH | → viomedi.de | 39,00 € | 3 months | ✅ Test free of charge ✅ No software installation ✅ Can be used with mobile phone/tablet ✅ Screen sharing ✅ Shipping images/files Chat function ❌ Multiple language versions |
| healthy Projects GmbH | → webprax-f2f.de | from 9,90 € | 1 month | ✅ Test free of charge ✅ No software installation ✅ Can be used with mobile phone/tablet ✅ Screen sharing ✅ Sending images/files Chat function ❌ Multiple language versions |
| YourDoctorOnline GmbH | → ihrarztonline.de | follows | follows | follows |
| IVPNetworks GmbH | → ivpview.com | follows | follows | follows |
| jameda GmbH | → jameda.de | Monthly subscription 119,00 € (GoldPro) 195,00 € (Platinum) Annual subscription 99 € (GoldPro) 159,00 € (Platinum) | none (monthly subscription) 12 months (annual subscription) | ❌ Test free of charge ✅ No software installation ✅ Can be used with mobile phone/tablet ✅ Screen sharing ✅ Shipping images/files ❌ Chat function ❌ Multiple language versions |
| KEJ Digital Care Solutions UG | → healthcompanion | follows | follows | follows |
| La-Well Systems GmbH | → elvi.de | Monthly subscription 39.00 € (limited) 59,00 € Annual subscription 29,00 € (limited) 49,00 € | 1 month (monthly subscription) 12 months (annual subscription) | ✅ Test free of charge ✅ No software installation ✅ Can be used with mobile phone/tablet ✅ Screen sharing ✅ Shipping images/files Chat function ✅ Multiple language versions |
| La-Well Systems GmbH CLICKDOC | → CLICKDOC VS | 49,00 € / user (Expert package) 29,00 € / user (Starter package) | 12 months (annual subscription) | ❌ Test free of charge ✅ No software installation ✅ Can be used with mobile phone/tablet ✅ Screen sharing ✅ Shipping images/files Chat function ❌ Multiple language versions |
| MD Medicus Holding GmbH | → md-medicus.net | 0.00 € (partner doctors) | 1 month | ✅ Test free of charge ✅ No software installation ✅ Can be used with mobile phone/tablet ✅ Screen sharing ✅ Shipping images/files Chat function ✅ Multiple language versions |
| medflex GmbH | → medflex.de | 0.00 € (limited to 10 video consultation hours) 9,95 € (unlimited) | 1 month (monthly subscription) 12 months (annual subscription) | ✅ Test free of charge ✅ No software installation ✅ Can be used with mobile phone/tablet ✅ Screen sharing ✅ Shipping images/files Chat function ❌ Multiple language versions |
| MedicalSyn GmbH | → medicalsyn.com | follows | follows | follows |
| Meedio ApS | → meedio.me | follows | follows | follows |
| MeetOne GmbH | → MeetOne Video | from 19,00 € (Solo) from 49,00 € (Team) [2] | from 1 month | ✅ Test free of charge ✅ No software installation ✅ Can be used with mobile phone/tablet ✅ Screen sharing ✅ Shipping images/files Chat function ✅ Multiple language versions |
| MELOS Digital Network GmbH | → mdn.de | follows | follows | follows |
| Mesalvo Freiburg GmbH | → meona.de | follows | follows | follows |
| Minddistrict GmbH | → minddistrict.com | on request | on request | ❌ Test free of charge ✅ No software installation ✅ Can be used with mobile phone/tablet ✅ Screen sharing ✅ Shipping images/files Chat function ✅ Multiple language versions |
| Minxli Healthcare GmbH | → minxli.com | 39,99 € | none | ✅ Test free of charge ✅ No software installation ✅ Can be used with mobile phone/tablet ✅ Screen sharing ✅ Shipping images/files Chat function ✅ Multiple language versions |
| Monks Ärzte-im-Netz GmbH | → monks | 2,50 € (per doctor) | none | ✅ Test free of charge ✅ No software installation ✅ Can be used with mobile phone/tablet ❌ Screen sharing ✅ Shipping images/files Chat function ❌ Multiple language versions |
| Noventi HealthCare GmbH | →azh.de | 19,95 € | 1 month (test phase) 2 months (regular) | ✅ Test free of charge ✅ No software installation ✅ Can be used with mobile phone/tablet ✅ Screen sharing ✅ Shipping images/files Chat function ❌ Multiple language versions |
| Patientus - A product of Jameda GmbH | → patientus.de | on request | 12 months | ❌ Test free of charge ✅ No software installation ✅ Can be used with mobile phone/tablet ✅ Screen sharing ✅ Shipping images/files Chat function ✅ Multiple language versions |
| PlanOrg Health Services GmbH | → principa | from 25,00 € | 3 months | ✅ Test free of charge ✅ No software installation ✅ Can be used with mobile phone/tablet ✅ Screen sharing ✅ Shipping images/files Chat function ✅ Multiple language versions |
| Qurasoft GmbH | → qurasoft.de | follows | follows | follows |
| RED Medical Systems GmbH | → redmedical.de | 0,00 € | 3 months | ✅ Test free of charge ✅ No software installation ✅ Can be used with mobile phone/tablet ❌ Screen sharing ❌ Shipping images/files ❌ Chat function ❌ Multiple language versions |
| RED Medical Systems GmbH | → redmedical.de | 19,00 € | 3 months | ✅ Test free of charge ✅ No software installation ✅ Can be used with mobile phone/tablet ✅ Screen sharing ❌ Shipping images/files ❌ Chat function ❌ Multiple language versions |
| samedi GmbH | → samedi.com | follows | follows | ❌ Test free of charge ✅ No software installation ✅ Can be used with mobile phone/tablet Screen sharing (available on the web) ✅ Shipping images/files Chat function ✅ Multiple language versions |
| T2 med GmbH and Co. KG | → t2med.de | follows | follows | follows |
| TeleClinic GmbH | → teleclinic.video | 10,00 € 0,00 € [3] | none | ✅ Test free of charge ✅ No software installation ✅ Can be used with mobile phone/tablet ❌ Screen sharing ❌ Shipping images/files ❌ Chat function ❌ Multiple language versions |
| Telemedicum GmbH | → Telemedicum video consultation | on request | on request | ❌ Test free of charge ✅ No software installation ✅ Can be used with mobile phone/tablet ❌ Screen sharing ❌ Shipping images/files ❌ Chat function ❌ Multiple language versions |
| tinana GmbH | → tinana.de | follows | follows | follows |
| Tymia GmbH | → Tymia | 34,99 € | 1 month | ✅ Test free of charge ✅ No software installation ✅ Can be used with mobile phone/tablet ❌ Screen sharing ❌ Shipping images/files ❌ Chat function ❌ Multiple language versions |
| WoMBA GmbH | → samedi.com | from 1,99 € (per call) from 19.99 (subscription) | 12 months | ✅ Test free of charge ✅ No software installation ✅ Can be used with mobile phone/tablet ❌ Screen sharing ✅ Shipping images/files ❌ Chat function ✅ Multiple language versions |
| XPERTyme GmbH | → medityme.com | 0,00 € (Basic Free) 11,99 € (Expert Pro) 34,99 € (Expert Unl.) | 1 month | ✅ Test free of charge ✅ No software installation ✅ Can be used with mobile phone/tablet ✅ Screen sharing ✅ Shipping images/files Chat function ✅ Multiple language versions |
| Zava Consultation Hour Online GmbH | → sprechstunde.online | 1,49 € (per call) 9,90 € (Expert) 39,90 € (Business) | 1 month | ✅ Test free of charge ✅ No software installation ✅ Can be used with mobile phone/tablet ✅ Screen sharing ✅ Shipping images/files Chat function ❌ Multiple language versions |
| Zollsoft GmbH | → arzt-direkt.com | on request | 1 month | ✅ Test free of charge ✅ No software installation ✅ Can be used with mobile phone/tablet ✅ Screen sharing ✅ Shipping images/files Chat function ✅ Multiple language versions |
[1] Package prices negotiable for larger numbers of users
[2] 5 practitioner accounts
[3] For attending physicians on the TeleClinic platform
Requirements for the video consultation
What you need and must consider as a doctor
You can find out in detail which technical requirements you as a doctor must fulfil in order to carry out a video consultation in Appendix 31b to the federal contract for physicians.
The KBV also lists the following requirements for practices on its website:
- Your patients must give their consent for video consultations.
- The spatial conditions must be such that the privacy of the patients is guaranteed.
- Both the technology used and the electronic data transmission must guarantee appropriate communication.
- The video consultation must be conducted in the same way as a "normal consultation" on site at the practice, i.e. it should be trouble-free and, of course, confidential
- The consultation must not be recorded - neither by the doctor nor by the patient.
- Video consultations must not be anonymous, i.e. the patient's real name must be visible to the practice.
- Advertising is not permitted during the video consultation.
Picture: www.giphy.com
As in a normal consultation, the privacy of patients must be guaranteed.
This means that the spatial conditions must ensure that video consultations can take place without disruption and confidentially. The computer at the practice reception is therefore certainly the wrong place to hold video conferences.
Billing for the video consultation
You can find information on remuneration and billing options for video consultations under the following links:
National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians
https://www.kbv.de/html/videosprechstunde.phpsee here in the text under "Overview of remuneration"
New billing options for video consultations (Medical Tribune 22/10/2019)
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Do you need support?
We have been making practices throughout Germany fit for the future since 2012. We ensure a contemporary presence (online and offline), optimal search engine discoverability and implement new technologies (such as video consultations or online appointment booking) in everyday practice life and on your website. We also advise doctors on new trends and the extent to which these can be utilised for their own practice. Practice marketing can be utilised.
You are welcome to contact usif we can advise and support you with the introduction of video consultations or general practice digitalisation. If you would like to make an appointment directly for a free initial consultation (as part of a video conference or on site at one of our agencies), you can find the booking options here:
Photo: © nongpimmy / www.istockphoto.com
Photo: "Patient doctor online consultation" © Rido81 / www.elements.envato.com
