Sick Leave by Telephone Possible Again

Since December 7, 2023, employees may once again have their doctors certify their sick leave by simply calling the doctor’s practice. Unlike during the coronavirus pandemic, however, it is only possible to obtain a medical certificate of incapacity to work by telephone for a maximum of 5 days, and only for “minor” illnesses, such as colds. Another requirement is that patients must be known in person at the practice and video consultations are not possible. An extension of a certificate of incapacity to work by telephone is possible only if the initial certificate was issued after a personal medical examination. Otherwise, the patient has to see the doctor in person.