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Welcome to the Official Website of the Federal Government’s Patient Representative!

On this website, you can find:

Information about who the Patient Representative is.

Details about the responsibilities of the Patient Representative.

An explanation of the website.

For answers to questions about the coronavirus, click here >>

For information about advance healthcare directives, durable power of attorney, and living wills, click here >>

1. The Patient Commissioner

The Patient Commissioner is Stefan Schwartze. The position of the Federal Government’s Patient Commissioner was established in 2004. The Federal Government recognizes the importance of patient concerns. The Patient Commissioner advocates for the interests of patients. Stefan Schwartze has held the position since 2022. He was nominated for the role by the Federal Minister of Health, Karl Lauterbach. 

3. Independent Patient Advice Service (UPD): Free Support for Your Health and Legal Questions

The Independent Patient Advice Service (UPD) is a trusted resource for anyone in Germany seeking advice on health-related or health law matters. Whether you have questions about medical treatments, health insurance, or patient rights, the UPD offers free and confidential guidance.

While the Patient Commissioner’s Office is committed to advocating for the interests of all patients, it cannot provide individual consultations. For personalized advice, the UPD is the ideal point of contact. Mr. Stefan Schwartze, the Federal Government’s Patient Commissioner, also serves as the Chair of the Foundation overseeing the UPD, ensuring that patients’ voices remain at the center of their services.

How to Find the UPD:

Phone: You can reach the UPD at 0800 011 77 22.

Website: Visit https://patientenberatung.de/ for more information and to explore their services.

The UPD’s services are designed to be accessible to everyone. Whether you’re navigating a complex health issue or need clarity on your legal rights as a patient, their team of experts is ready to help—free of charge.

For further information, please don’t hesitate to contact the UPD directly.