[The medical certificate--contents, form, deficiencies, fees]

The medical certificate ist a written health certificate based on the results of a medical diagnosis or examination. It does not contain scientifically base conclusions. The various forms of the certificate can be, for example, certificates of unfitness for work, certificates for insurance companies, certificates for exemption from school sports, diet certificates for tax returns, confirmation of a stable diabetes condition for driving licence authorities, certificates as proof of unfitness to plead in the process of criminal law. It is an offence (section 278 German Penal Code) to issue false health certificates for use with a public authority or insurance company contrary to one's knowledge. The form of some certificates is free, in some cases forms are used. "Standard form certificates" for insurance company are extended certificates. Certificates, especially free-form certificates, often have deficiencies: the purpose or addressee is not quoted; the date of the examination has not been entered; it is not apparent whether the statement is based on objective results; "catchword" like diagnostic terms are used: the necessary form ist not adhered to. The "Law concerning Compensation for Witnesses and Experts" (ZSEG) and the Scale of Medical Fees (GOA) set the standards for assessing the fee for a certificate.