Revolution in on -call service: Telemedicine now for all Lower Saxony!

Revolution in on -call service: Telemedicine now for all Lower Saxony!

Since July 1, 2025, there have been innovations at the medical on -call duty in Lower Saxony, which are important for many patients. In order to optimize the acute care for the approximately 8 million people in this state, the Lower Saxony Association (KVN) initiated the reform under the name KVN.AKUT. This measure should not only make medical care more efficient, but also reduce workload for the resident doctors. [regionalheute.de reports that…] (https://regionalhute.de/aerzlicherberwortwerbungs-das-ist-fuer-patiente- new-braunschweig-gifhorn-goslar-Harz-helmstedt-Peine-Salzgittert-Wolfettersburg-1752909643/)

A central element of this reform is the introduction of a structured first medical initial assessment (Smed), which every caller of the on-call service number 116117 is now going through. This assessment makes it possible to determine the urgency of the concern and to find the appropriate level of care. The goal: a faster and direct first contact with a doctor without patients forced to call several times.

telemedicine as a new supply stage

One of the greatest innovations, however, is the telemedical assessment that is available for urgent concerns. Patients now have the option of receiving medical feedback within 30 minutes of their call - and the video call. Teleholds are able to digitally issue recipes and incapacity for work. This measure is intended to help reduce the pressure on the emergency services and thus also minimize the alternative reactions to the emergency services, the 112. kv-innovationscout.de informs about…

In the context of this reform, it is also important that home visits through the medical driving service only take place on a medical order. This service is done by the Johanniter-accident help e. V. supports the qualified staff. This enables structured supply outside of ordinary practice times. [kvn.de emphasizes that ...] (https://www.kvn.de/startsite/kvn_akut+_+neuerstalichung+Des+%C3%A4rztlichen-Berbungens-p- 44209.html)

A look at the challenges

The need for this reform results from several challenges that are faced with on -call service: high organizational expenses, a heterogeneous structure and the noticeable lack of doctors put pressure on the service. The new structure is intended to counter these challenges and ensure that patients are possible for patients faster, more flexible and more efficient medical care.

For the resident doctors, the reform means relief. The voluntary, non -mandatory division for the driving service in the on -call service opens space for better organization and use of the existing resources.

With the innovations in the on -call service, another step towards modern, patient -oriented acute care is taken. The KVN is optimistic that the reform not only meets the needs of patients, but also opens up new perspectives for practicing doctors.