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👥 Second opinion before an operation

For certain planned procedures you are entitled to a medical second opinion. You can find second-opinion doctors via 116117.de.

second opinion 27b SGB V planned procedure G-BA operation 116117 alternatives

In brief

Before some planned operations you may obtain a second medical opinion. This is set out in the law.

The Gemeinsamer Bundesausschuss (Federal Joint Committee) determines for which procedures the entitlement applies. The list is being extended.

You can find suitable doctors via the website 116117.de.

Even without a statutory entitlement you can ask other doctors.

Step by step

  1. CheckAsk whether your procedure is on the list of second-opinion procedures.
  2. Look for a second-opinion doctorSearch 116117.de for an authorised doctor.
  3. Bring documentsBring findings and images.
  4. DecideDiscuss the result with your doctor.

Deadlines

entitlement
To a second opinion for a planned procedure where the risk of an expansion of indications cannot be ruled out§ 27b SGB V
at least 10 or 15 working days
Information about the right to a second opinion as a rule at least 10 working days before the procedure, for procedures on the G-BA list (Abs. 3 Satz 2) at least 15 working days; in any case early enough for you to make a well-considered decision§ 27b Abs. 6 SGB V
Watch out – common mistakes
  • The list of procedures is updated; the G-BA gives the current status.
  • The entitlement applies to persons insured under statutory health insurance under § 27b SGB V; other cases were not examined.
  • Some insurers offer additional second opinions; this was not examined.
In depth · legal basis, figures and practice – for advisers and professionals

Legal basis (§ 27b SGB V)

The entitlement exists for a planned procedure where, in particular in view of the numerical development of its performance, the risk of an expansion of indications cannot be ruled out. The Gemeinsamer Bundesausschuss determines for which procedures the entitlement applies and should determine at least two further procedures each year. Second-opinion doctors must, among other things, demonstrate long-standing specialist activity in the relevant field and knowledge of the current state of scientific research. Under the law, from 2027 remuneration for certain procedures can be dropped if there is no proof of an obtained second opinion before the procedure; details were not examined.

Information and deadline (§ 27b Abs. 6 SGB V)

The doctor must inform about the right to a second opinion, as a rule at least 10 working days before the procedure, for procedures under Abs. 3 Satz 2 at least 15 working days; in any case early enough for the patient to make their decision in a well-considered way.

Procedures under the G-BA

The G-BA list comprises 13 procedures, including aortic aneurysm, carotid artery, prostate cancer (localised), hip replacement, pacemaker and defibrillator, as well as amputation in diabetic foot syndrome, tonsil and adenoid procedures, hysterectomy, shoulder arthroscopy, knee replacement, spinal procedures and gallbladder removal. New in 2026: left heart catheterisation in chronic coronary heart disease. You will find the current list and the search for second-opinion providers (116117.de) at the G-BA.

Link to information before treatment

The second opinion supplements the information under § 630e BGB, which also covers alternatives.

Who is responsible
  • Treating doctor
  • 116117.de (search for second-opinion providers)
  • Gemeinsamer Bundesausschuss (information)
Further reading
Information and consentDischarge management in hospital

Quick questions

Worum geht es bei „Second opinion before an operation“?
For certain planned procedures you are entitled to a medical second opinion. You can find second-opinion doctors via 116117.de.
Which deadlines and figures matter?
  • entitlement: To a second opinion for a planned procedure where the risk of an expansion of indications cannot be ruled out (§ 27b SGB V)
  • at least 10 or 15 working days: Information about the right to a second opinion as a rule at least 10 working days before the procedure, for procedures on the G-BA list (Abs. 3 Satz 2) at least 15 working days; in any case early enough for you to make a well-considered decision (§ 27b Abs. 6 SGB V)
What should I do first?
  • Check: Ask whether your procedure is on the list of second-opinion procedures.
  • Look for a second-opinion doctor: Search 116117.de for an authorised doctor.
  • Bring documents: Bring findings and images.
What do I need to watch out for?
  • The list of procedures is updated; the G-BA gives the current status.
  • The entitlement applies to persons insured under statutory health insurance under § 27b SGB V; other cases were not examined.
  • Some insurers offer additional second opinions; this was not examined.
Evidence
  • Gesetze im Internet, SGB V § 27b, retrieved 20 September 2026
  • Gemeinsamer Bundesausschuss, Zweitmeinung bei planbaren Eingriffen, retrieved 20 September 2026
As of

September 2026 · Sources and method

A question about your situation that this page does not answer? Write to us or use the contact form – we will tell you which office is responsible and what to bring. Free of charge, without individual legal advice.