Gütersloh, 10/31/2023

Bertelsmann BKK enables online doctor visits around the clock

Bertelsmann BKK has signed a cooperation agreement with the Munich-based telemedicine pioneer Teleclinic. On this basis, BKK policyholders can now consult a doctor online around the clock, even on Sundays and public holidays. A certificate of incapacity for work can also be issued via the Teleclinic app.

For Bertelsmann BKK policyholders who require medical advice at short notice and are unable to visit a local doctor's surgery, the company health insurance fund has concluded a contract with the Munich-based telemedicine pioneer Teleclinic. Teleclinic offers online counselling by general practitioners and specialists based in Germany. Bertelsmann BKK policyholders can access a doctor around the clock - even on Sundays and public holidays - and discuss their concerns within a maximum waiting time of 30 minutes, the BKK announced. A certificate of incapacity for work can also be issued - via app - for a period of three days.

Around 60 treatment fields

According to Bertelsmann BKK, the Teleclinic covers treatment cases in general medicine, chronic illnesses and special illnesses of women and men that are generally suitable for online treatment according to generally recognised professional standards. However, an individual assessment of the patient enquiry is always carried out by the treating teleclinic doctor. The range of treatments includes

Cold and flu

Headaches and migraines

Abdominal pain and diarrhoea

Bladder infections

Paediatric diseases from acne to chickenpox

as well as many other clinical pictures that can be viewed in the Teleclinic app.

In addition to general practitioners, specialists such as paediatricians, gynaecologists, orthopaedists, urologists, ENT specialists and dermatologists can also be consulted.

And here are a few more tips:

Certificates of incapacity for work

If you are unable to work, an electronic certificate of incapacity for work (eAU) can be issued as an initial certificate for a period of three days. The eAUs issued via the Teleclinic platform are designed for short-term illnesses. Illnesses that result in a longer period of incapacity for work should be treated by a local doctor.

Recipes

Until the nationwide introduction of e-prescriptions on 1 January 2024, Teleclinic may only issue private prescriptions. These cannot be reimbursed by Bertelsmann BKK.

Sickness benefit when a child is ill

The Teleclinic medical team can issue a certificate for paediatric sick pay. This can reduce the workload for parents and paediatricians.

"Our aim is to provide the best possible outpatient medical care via video consultations," says Stefan Döding, contract manager at Bertelsmann BKK. "Our policyholders can use Teleclinic to obtain medical advice from the comfort of their own homes, save themselves a trip to the practice if they are less mobile and also avoid the risk of infection in crowded waiting rooms. The consultation can also be used when travelling abroad. Teleclinic won the Stiftung Warentest test as the best telemedicine platform in July 2022 and is therefore a highly qualified provider."