fachärztliche

Fachärztliche is an adjective in German that relates to a Facharzt, a physician who has completed specialized training in a medical field. The term is used to describe services, qualifications, or activities that pertain to a medical specialty, as in fachärztliche Versorgung (specialist care), fachärztliche Tätigkeit (specialist practice), or fachärztliche Weiterbildung (specialist training).

A Facharzt is a board-certified specialist; after completing medical studies and obtaining the medical license (Approbation), a physician undergoes several years of residency (Facharztausbildung) in a chosen specialty and must pass a specialty examination to earn the designation.

In the German healthcare system, fachärztliche care denotes care provided by such specialists, often accessed via referral from a primary care physician, though some regions and insurance plans allow direct access. Services may include consultations, diagnostics, and treatments specific to a specialty, as well as participation in disease management programs (DMPs) or coordinated care pathways. Public statutory health insurance (GKV) generally covers medically indicated visits to Fachärzte with appropriate authorization; private insurance coverage varies.

Quality and regulation: Fachärzte are registered with state medical associations and are subject to continuing medical education to maintain certification. The term emphasizes a higher level of expertise beyond general practice and plays a key role in patient referrals, diagnostic workflows, and treatment decisions.

Related terms include Facharzt, Allgemeinmedizin, and Facharztausbildung.