Informed consent.

Under § 630e of the German Civil Code the physician must inform you orally before any procedure about its nature, extent, execution, expected consequences and risks, prospects of success and alternatives – early enough for a well-considered decision. For aesthetic, medically unnecessary treatments the courts set particularly high requirements for completeness.

In addition there is economic information (§ 630c): since the costs are not covered by statutory insurance, you must be informed in writing beforehand about the expected costs. The conversation is documented; you receive the paperwork.

For you this means: ask everything you want to know and take your time. A serious consultation also names reasons against treatment. Information pages like this one prepare the conversation but do not replace it.

This lexicon entry is general information and does not replace the medical consultation required under German law (§ 630e BGB).