When was the GOÄ last amended?
The fee schedule for doctors was introduced in 1982. Since then, there have only been minor adjustments. The last major change was made in 1996 and remained more technical.
A complete overhaul that represents modern medicine and digital services is overdue for decades. That is precisely why a fundamental reform has now been adopted.
When is the new GOÄ coming?
After decades of preparation, the implementation of the new GOÄ is now within reach for the first time.
Am May 29, 2025 hath the 129th German Medical Day In Leipzig, the revised GOÄ draft was now approved by a strong majority. This was then handed over to the Federal Ministry of Health for further review.
According to the President of the Federal Medical Association Dr. Klaus Reinhardt has come into force following completion of the ministerial audit and the involvement of federal and state ministries of finance January 1, 2027 at the earliest realistic.
However, a precise timetable depends largely on how quickly:
- the Federal Ministry of Health reviews and approves the draft,
- the parliamentary regulation process (Federal Council/Federal Government) is ongoing,
- If necessary, adjustments may be made.
In short: The new GOÄ Is on the way, a start year 2027 is currently the most likely. However, a specific start date will only follow after the political procedures have been completed.
What is included in the draft of the new GOÄ numbers?
The newly developed GOAE design comprises almost 5 600 digits, including about 4 200 main services And round 1400 surcharges.
This means that virtually all medical activities can now be precisely mapped: from video consultations to e-mail support to medical benefits following treatments.
Important new features:
- digital services (telemedicine, ePa, DiGA) are systematically integrated for the first time
- analog services largely omitted; instead, each service will have its own number
- Conversation numbers are strengthened. “Speaking medicine” receives higher value
- Abandonment of a fixed rate of increase: Individually priced surcharges instead of flat-rate factors (up to 5 times the rate possible)
- After entry into force, the GOÄ should be regularly updated. A Standing Review Commission (GeKo) is planned for this purpose, which constantly evaluates medical and technical developments.
By the way: Since 2022, the draft has been tested with real billing cases to check practicality and financial impact.
What does the new GOÄ mean for individual departments?
The effects of the new GOÄ vary greatly depending on the medical field. While some departments are benefiting, for others there is a decline in revenue in the room.
Let's take a look at the significance of the new GOÄ for some specialist areas:
New GOÄ in the field of psychotherapy
Psychotherapists receive through new analog numbers more flexibility, e.g. for Short-term and acute therapy (Paragraph 812a, 801a).
Allow these digits reckoning in 2.3 times the rate and are therefore often more lucrative than classic numbers (870/861), even with a maximum increase of 3.5 times.
However, there is still uncertainty about reimbursement by private funds, in particular when it comes to combinations.
New GOÄ in the field of radiology
Diagnostic disciplines such as radiology and radiation oncology see major disadvantages. The draft rates technical performance significantly lower, which sometimes entails existential risks for practices.
Criticism is directed primarily at a lack of transparency in the calculation and unjustified cuts, despite rising operating costs.
However, whether there will actually be any noticeable fee cuts depends on the final GOAE text and the evaluations in the political process.
These are currently forecasts, but they are based on internal calculations and opinions from professional associations.
Reading tip: Digitalization in radiology
Veterinarians: Not part of the new GOÄ
Even though veterinary services are formally billed in a similar way, the separate fee schedule for veterinarians (GOT) applies to veterinarians. This was fundamentally revised back in 2022 (with significantly expanded figures and higher fee rates). The new GOÄ only concerns human medicine and has no direct influence on GOT.
Who benefits from the new GOÄ?
Specialties that focus on medical consultation services, coordination and individual care benefit in particular from the new GOÄ. These include, for example:
- Internists working as general practitioners: The new GOÄ rates speaking medicine significantly higher. Family doctors benefit from better-paid consultations, case discussions and coordination services.
- Physicians working in psychotherapy: New analog numbers (e.g. 801a, 812a) enable more realistic billing of acute and short-term therapies. Psychotherapeutic consultations are also better paid.
- Subjects with high funding intensity: Geriatrics, palliative care, psychosomatics and pain management benefit from the upgraded call figures and new supplements for time and complexity.
- Younger doctors: The clear structure, the elimination of many analog invoices and the digital mappability should make it easier to get started with private medical billing.
- patients: They too could benefit: Through greater consideration of medical attention, clearer billing and the integration of digital services such as video consultations or digital health applications.
But: Not all areas are better off. As we could see earlier: Technical subjects such as radiology or laboratory services are confronted with financial losses.
Implement GOAE billing simply and digitally
The new GOÄ is coming and not only brings opportunities, but also new requirements for your practice administration.
With Nelly Maintain an overview: From digital patient recording to automated invoices up to the legally secure implementation of the new GOAE regulations.
Take the opportunity to make your practice fit for the future now! To do this, arrange a non-binding conversation: We'll show you how Nelly can help you do just that.
Conclusion on the GOAE amendment as of 2025: What has happened so far and what will happen next
The reform of the fee schedule for doctors took concrete forms for the first time in 2025. With the resolution of the German Medical Association, a comprehensively modernized draft is available that takes into account digital services, speaking medicine and up-to-date supplements.
Specialized areas with a lot of personal attention, such as general practitioners or psychotherapists, could benefit significantly. Technical disciplines such as radiology, on the other hand, fear cuts.
However, the political implementation of the new GOÄ is still pending. The audit by the Federal Ministry of Health and also the journey through the Cabinet and Federal Council are decisive.
Entry into force is considered realistic from 2027 at the earliest.
But it is already clear: The new GOÄ should no longer be a rigid set of rules, but should be constantly adapted.
Common questions
How old is the current GOÄ?
The current fee schedule for doctors (GOÄ) is over 40 years old. It was introduced in 1982 and has only been amended selectively since then. There has been no complete revision since then. As a result, it seems out of date in many areas today.
What role does the Federal Medical Association play in the new GOÄ?
The Federal Medical Association (BÄK) is significantly involved in the development of the new GOÄ. Together with the Association of Private Health Insurance (PKV) and the subsidy, it has prepared the new draft. It contributes medical expertise and also coordinates the so-called clearing process with specialist associations. Following the decision by the German Medical Association, the draft was handed over to the Federal Ministry of Health via BAEK.
When does the new GOÄ come into force?
The new GOÄ has been approved, but not yet in force. The draft is currently being reviewed by the Federal Ministry of Health. According to current estimates, the new GOÄ could at the earliest From the year 2027 apply. However, this depends on the further political process in the Bundestag and the Federal Council.
