Complete step-by-step guide: registering your child with a new pediatrician (Kinderarzt)
1. Finding a pediatrician in your new area
Use German doctor search portals such as:
In the search bar, type:
“Kinderarzt” + city name or postal code (PLZ)
2. Calling the practice and asking if they accept new patients
On the phone, you can say:
Guten Tag, wir sind neu in der Stadt und möchten unser Kind bei Ihnen anmelden. Nehmen Sie neue Patienten auf?
Also ask about:
the next available appointment for a U-Untersuchung (preventive check-up)
or for vaccinations.
3. Preparing the required documents
Bring the following to the first appointment:
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Yellow examination booklet (Gelbes Heft) | Contains records of previous check-ups |
| Vaccination card (Impfpass) | To document and track vaccinations |
| Child’s health insurance card (Versichertenkarte) | Necessary for billing |
| Previous medical reports / chronic prescriptions | If available, especially in chronic conditions |
4. Filling in the new patient form (Neupatientenbogen)
The new patient form is usually filled out in the practice before the first visit.
It typically includes:
the child’s personal data
date of birth
known allergies
current medication
vaccination status and previous illnesses
Some practices send this form by post in advance or provide it online for download and completion.
5. Scheduling the first appointment
The first appointment may be:
a regular preventive check-up (e.g. U8, U9 or J1), or
a general introductory visit, so the doctor can get to know the child and their medical history.
Practical tips
Register your child before the next scheduled U-Untersuchung, because many of these preventive checks are only covered by the health insurance within specific time windows.
If your child has chronic illnesses, look for a Kinderarzt mit Schwerpunkt, i.e. a pediatrician with an additional specialty (e.g. allergy, pulmonology, neurology).
Keep digital copies of the Gelbes Heft and the Impfpass in case the originals are lost.
Ready-to-use email template to register your child
Subject: Anmeldung unseres Kindes als Neupatient
Sehr geehrtes Praxisteam,
wir sind vor Kurzem nach [Stadt] umgezogen und möchten unseren Sohn / unsere Tochter [Vorname Nachname, Geburtsdatum] gerne bei Ihnen als neuen Patienten anmelden.
Könnten Sie uns bitte mitteilen, ob Sie neue Patienten aufnehmen und wann ein erster Termin möglich wäre?
Mit freundlichen Grüßen
[Ihr Name]
[Telefonnummer]
The editorial team of this website strives to provide accurate information based on careful research and multiple sources. However, errors may occur or some information may be incomplete or not fully up to date. Please treat this article as an initial orientation only and always contact your pediatrician, your health insurance fund or competent advice centres for binding, up-to-date information.
