A public health physician (Amtsarzt) is a doctor in the public health service who assesses medical fitness on behalf of the employer. The term often comes up in connection with appointment as a civil servant on probation, the trainee period (Referendariat) or later questions about inability to serve. The Amtsarzt is neither your family doctor nor the assessor for your health insurance. They work for the employer and assess whether you meet the health requirements of civil service status.
Short answer: An Amtsarzt is a doctor in the public health service, usually at a health office (Gesundheitsamt). On behalf of the employer, they check whether you are medically fit for civil service status and prepare an expert report. Medical fitness is a requirement for appointment under § 9 of the Federal Civil Service Status Act (Beamtenstatusgesetz, BeamtStG). The procedure is governed by state law. Stand: October 2026.
Key points at a glance
- The Amtsarzt works for the employer, not for you and not for your health insurance.
- Their result is an expert report, which the authority takes into account in its decision.
- Typical occasions are appointment to the civil service and questions about inability to serve.
- You can usually object to an expert report, and the deadlines for this are short.
- Procedures and responsibilities are set by state law.
Who is the Amtsarzt?
Amtsärzte work in the public health service, usually at a health office. Their task is the official medical assessment. They do not examine you for treatment, but answer a specific question for an authority. The result is an expert report, on which the employer bases its decision.
When does an Amtsarzt become involved?
The most common occasions are appointment to the civil service, the examination before appointment as a civil servant on probation, and questions about inability to serve later in your career. An examination may also be necessary during the trainee period if health reasons affect the training. The following overview shows the basic structure.
| Occasion | What the Amtsarzt checks | Who decides |
|---|---|---|
| Appointment as a civil servant on probation | Medical fitness for civil service status | Employer, based on the expert report |
| Trainee period (Referendariat) | Whether health reasons affect the training | Employer or training authority |
| Inability to serve later in service | Whether the requirements for inability to serve are met | Employer, after reviewing the expert report |
What happens during the examination?
The Amtsarzt reviews your information, carries out an examination and requests medical records where necessary. It is important to answer fully and truthfully, because the expert report forms the basis for a decision. Whether and how you can inspect the report is governed by the administrative procedure and state law.
Amtsarzt and health insurance: the difference
The Amtsarzt assesses for the employer, not for your health insurance. An expert report from an Amtsarzt therefore does not replace the health questions of an insurer, and vice versa. Private health insurance (PKV) has its own checks, which are described in our glossary on the health check (in German).
What if you do not agree with the expert report?
You can usually object to an expert report or to a decision based on it. The deadlines are often short and typically begin with service of the decision. Seek advice early, for example from a lawyer who specialises in civil service law or from your employer’s personnel office. A missed deadline can cost you your legal remedy.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Amtsarzt the same as my family doctor?
No. Your family doctor treats you. The Amtsarzt assesses a specific question for an authority. For this reason, their result can differ from what your family doctor’s practice expects.
Am I required to see the Amtsarzt?
Yes, if state law or the employer provides for an examination by an Amtsarzt. Refusing can have consequences for the procedure. Ask in advance which examinations are planned and which documents you should bring.
Who pays for the examination by the Amtsarzt?
As a rule, the employer bears the cost if it orders the examination. What applies in your case is set out in the authority’s letter. If you have to pay in advance, ask about reimbursement.
Can I get a second opinion?
That is possible if you have doubts about an expert report. The findings of a specialist doctor can be helpful in an objection procedure. Whether and how they are taken into account is decided by the responsible body, so seek advice early.
What to do now
- Read the authority’s letter carefully and note the deadlines and the date of the examination.
- Gather findings and medical reports that are relevant to the question, and ask your family doctor for documents early.
- Get advice on your rights before the appointment, including inspection of the report and objections.
- Review an expert report promptly, and if you have doubts, act within the deadline.
Related reading
- Glossary: Eligibility Rate for Beihilfe
- Glossary: Preparatory Service
- Health Insurance for Referendare in Germany
- Teacher training insurance: from studies to traineeship
Sources: § 9 Federal Civil Service Status Act (BeamtStG), requirements for appointment, gesetze-im-internet.de (accessed October 2026) · § 26 Federal Civil Service Status Act (BeamtStG), inability to serve, gesetze-im-internet.de (accessed October 2026)
Stand: October 2026. This guide is general information, not individual advice.
