Notification of illness by telephone: Munich doctor unpacks

Here’s a breakdown of the main points from the text:

* The Debate: The SPD and the Greens support allowing doctors to issue sick notes via telephone, while others disagree.
* Limited Telephone Sick Notes: Dr. Ritter, a general practitioner, states that telephone sick notes represent a vrey small portion (about 1%) of his practice’s workload on a busy Monday during peak cold season (around 4 cases out of 400 patients). He doesn’t see this as the

What are the legal requirements for calling in sick and notifying an employer in Germany?

Notification of Illness by Telephone: Munich Doctor Unpacks

Calling in sick – it’s a scenario most employees face at some point. But navigating the process, especially when a phone call is required, can be surprisingly fraught with questions. As a practicing physician in Munich,I frequently receive inquiries from patients and employers regarding proper sick leave procedures. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know, from a medical perspective, focusing on the German system but with broadly applicable advice.

The Legal Framework: When is a Phone Call Sufficient?

German law (specifically the Entgeltfortzahlunggesetz – Continued Remuneration act) dictates employer obligations regarding sick pay. While a doctor’s note (Arbeitsunfähigkeitsbescheinigung or AU) is generally required, there’s a grace period.

* First three Calendar Days: Employers are legally obligated to continue paying wages for the first three calendar days of illness without requiring a doctor’s note. This is where the phone call comes in.

* Beyond Three Days: After three days, a doctor’s note is mandatory. This needs to be submitted to the employer, usually electronically these days.

* Employer Policy: some companies have stricter internal policies requiring immediate notification, even for a single day of illness. Always check your employment contract or company handbook.

Therefore, a phone call is often sufficient for short-term illnesses, but it’s crucial to understand your employer’s specific requirements.

What to Say During the Call: A Practical guide

Many patients ask me what exactly they should communicate to their employer. Clarity and conciseness are key. Avoid oversharing personal details. Here’s a template:

1. Identify Yourself: “Good morning/afternoon, this is Archys, from [Your Department].”
2. State Your Illness: “I am calling to inform you that I am unable to come to work today due to illness.” You don’t need to specify the illness – “feeling unwell” or “not fit to work” is sufficient.
3. Estimate Duration (If Possible): “I anticipate being out for [number] days, but I will see a doctor to confirm this.” If you’re unsure, say, “I will see a doctor today and provide an update.”
4. Handover Facts: “I have [completed/partially completed] [urgent tasks]. [Colleague’s Name] is aware of [project/responsibility].” offer a brief handover of critical tasks.
5. Contact Information: “I will be reachable by phone/email if absolutely necessary.” (Consider your boundaries here – you are sick, after all!).

Example: “Good morning, this is Anna Schmidt from Marketing. I am calling to inform you that I am unable to come to work today due to illness. I anticipate being out for one or two days, but I will see a doctor this afternoon to confirm. I have finished the draft presentation for the client meeting. Markus is aware of the upcoming deadline. I will be reachable by email if absolutely necessary.”

Common Mistakes to Avoid

* Oversharing: Your employer doesn’t need a detailed medical history.Keep it professional.

* Vagueness: Saying “I don’t feel well” without any indication of duration can be frustrating for your employer.

* Apologizing Excessively: Being sick is not a moral failing. A simple “I apologize for any inconvenience” is sufficient.

* Working While Sick: This can prolong your illness and possibly jeopardize your health.Rest and recover.

* Delaying Notification: Inform your employer as soon as reasonably possible.

The Doctor’s Role: Obtaining the AU

Once you’ve notified your employer, schedule an appointment with your doctor. in Germany, the doctor assesses your ability to work and issues the Arbeitsunfähigkeitsbescheinigung (AU).

* Digital Submission: Increasingly, doctors submit the AU directly to your health insurance fund (Krankenkasse), who than forward it to your employer.

* Paper Submission: If digital submission isn’t possible, you’ll receive a paper copy to submit to your employer.

* Extension of AU: If your illness continues beyond the initial period, you’ll need to schedule a follow-up appointment to obtain an extension of the AU.

Benefits of Prompt and Clear Interaction

* Maintains Professional Relationships: Demonstrates respect for your employer and colleagues.

* Facilitates Smooth Workflow: Allows for proper task delegation and minimizes disruption.

* Reduces Stress: Addressing the situation proactively can alleviate anxiety for both you and your employer.

* Ensures Legal Compliance: Adhering to legal requirements protects both parties.

Real-World example: the Case of the Unexpected Flu

I recently had a patient, a project manager, who woke up with a severe flu. she instantly called her employer, following the template outlined above. She clearly communicated her inability to work, estimated a 2-3 day absence, and briefly outlined the status of her ongoing projects. Her employer appreciated the prompt notification and was able to redistribute her tasks effectively. She then scheduled a doctor’s appointment and submitted her AU digitally, ensuring a smooth and legally compliant process. This proactive approach