Independent Patient Counseling Service Germany (UPD)

Competent

Patients can find competent help and advice at the Independent Patient Counseling Service Germany (UPD) through 26 regional and national counseling centers across Germany, as well as via a telephone helpline. A team of expert counselors is available for:

• Information as well as useful and further advice on health topics and specific patient-relevant issues
• Advice on health law issues as well as
• Information about supplementary (regional) healthcare services.

Quality-conscious

The Independent Patient Counseling Service Germany (UPD) is a collaboration of three strong and experienced partners:

• Social Association VdK Germany eV.
• Consumer Advice Center Federal Association eV.
• Association of Independent Patient Advisory Services.

The years of experience of the partners in this network guarantee high quality and credibility. In addition, an independent quality assurance process is in place.

Independent

The Independent Patient Counseling Service Germany (UPD) provides neutral and independent information and support to patients nationwide on health-related issues.

The independence of the advice service is a prerequisite for strengthening the autonomy and personal responsibility of patients. The independent patient advisory service is not subject to any content restrictions; the focus is on the questions and problems of those seeking advice.

Free of charge

The umbrella organizations of the statutory health insurance funds are promoting independent patient advice in a model project according to § 65 b SGB V.

This funding enables free personal consultation in 22 regional counselling centers in all federal states, as well as the establishment of several supra-regional counselling centers on specific patient-relevant topics.

Nationwide presence through regional networking

The network has been represented since the end of 2006 with regional counseling centers at 22 locations in all German states. These are complemented by nationwide, topic-specific counseling services and a nationwide helpline.