GOÄ – the German fee schedule.
The legal basis on which medical services are invoiced privately in Germany. That is why prices are 'from' guide prices, not fixed prices.
GOÄ explained clearly: how medical services are invoiced privately, multiplication factors, why fixed prices and discounts are problematic and what this…
A closer look.
The Gebührenordnung für Ärzte is a federal regulation that assigns each medical service a fee number with a point value. Private invoicing multiplies the base rate by a factor – usually 2.3, with increased effort up to 3.5 with justification. Aesthetic services are self-pay services and also fall under the GOÄ.
It follows that the price depends on actual effort – number of areas, amount of material, time, difficulty. A practice may therefore not promise fixed prices 'for everyone' but states guide prices and sets the amount in the consultation before treatment. Discounts, packages and 'promotions' are problematic under professional law for medical services.
For patients the GOÄ means transparency: every invoice lists fee numbers, factor and material and can be traced. Before treatment you receive a cost breakdown; for medical indications it can be submitted to private insurance.
This lexicon entry is general information and does not replace the medical consultation required under German law (§ 630e BGB).
At a glance.
A question about GOÄ (German scale of fees for physicians)? Send us a short WhatsApp message – we usually reply the same working day.
Ask via WhatsAppFrequently asked questions.
Why does the practice not state a fixed price?
Because the GOÄ prescribes invoicing by effort. The exact amount is stated before treatment.
Can I submit the invoice?
For aesthetic treatments no; for medical indications such as hyperhidrosis or bruxism possibly to private insurance.
Sources and further reading.
- § 630e BGB – duty to inform before treatment (German Civil Code)
- GOÄ – German scale of medical fees (official text)
- § 11 HWG – ban on before/after images and advertising promises
- Professional code of the Medical Association North Rhine
- DGBT – German Society for Aesthetic Botulinum Toxin Therapy
- AWMF – German clinical practice guidelines
External links open in a new window; their operators are responsible for their content. Medical responsibility for this page: Katayoun Mostaghimi, specialist in general medicine. Last updated: 2026-10-05.
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