July 16, 2026, 12:31 pm | Read time: 3 minutes
First, do the shopping, then quickly see the doctor–what sounds unusual has become routine in Mosbach, Baden-Württemberg. Right at the entrance of a Kaufland store, Sana, together with Kaufland, operates the so-called S Medical Room. The concept: If you can’t get a timely appointment with your primary care doctor for a cough, sore throat, or other minor ailments, you can receive medical advice via video consultation–including sick notes or prescriptions.
The idea didn’t come out of nowhere. Getting an appointment with a primary care doctor is becoming increasingly difficult in many places. Especially in rural areas, there is a shortage of doctors, and a large portion of today’s primary care physicians are set to retire in the coming years. For many patients, this means long wait times or practices that no longer accept new patients. This is exactly where the Medical Room aims to help. Instead of waiting for patients to find a doctor, the concept brings medical care to where many people already go daily: the supermarket.
Patients can book an appointment online or spontaneously check in on-site. They then enter a soundproof booth and are connected via video consultation with a doctor from the Sana Medical Center. Medical staff on-site assist by measuring blood pressure or conducting other examinations if needed.
More Than Just Video Consultations
The service is particularly suitable for conditions that can be assessed via telemedicine–such as colds, coughs, sore throats, or minor health issues. If medically appropriate, doctors can also issue sick notes, e-prescriptions, or referrals. However, for more complicated illnesses or emergencies, the Medical Room does not replace a traditional doctor’s visit.
Also of interest: This sick note could lead to immediate termination
The concept originally launched in Germany at the end of 2025. Since then, the offering has expanded. In addition to primary care video consultations, there are now various preventive services such as body analyses, lifestyle check-ups, digital skin checks, and consultations on digital health applications (DiGA). This aims to not only address acute complaints but also to focus more on preventive care.
What Is the Current Status of the Project?
The S Medical Room in Kaufland in Mosbach remains the only one of its kind. According to the operators, the pilot project is ongoing. They are currently evaluating how patients are receiving the service and whether the concept is sustainable both medically and economically. Whether more Medical Rooms will be established at other Kaufland locations is still undecided.
Primary care doctors also see potential in such offerings–but only as a supplement to traditional care. It is crucial that the treatment remains connected to existing primary care practices or medical centers. A permanent care setup, where all medical information converges, cannot be replaced by a video consultation in a supermarket.