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AIM: To evaluate the processes of the management of patients, who are supposed to have a deep vein thrombosis, we performed a German-wide survey. METHOD: Within 4 weeks data from 1 051 consecutive patients referred with symptoms of deep vein thrombosis were documented in 28 outdoor departments and private practices specialised on vascular diseases. All patients were questioned about the time period of symptoms, the referring doctor and the kind of transport. The symptoms required to estimate the clinical probability were examined before investigation. RESULTS: The results showed that in Germany the patients are symptomatic for 5.8 4.7 days (mean SD) before they received an adequate diagnostic investigation. 73 % of all patients were referred by the familial doctors and 15 % by orthopaedics. 64 % had a low clinical probability only (score ? 1). 96 % of the patients were sent to the investigation in a mobile manner (75 % came with their own car, 8 % with bus or tram, 13 % accompanied by a family member). 2.3 % (25) were sent with the ambulance in a sitting and 1.5 % (16) in a lying position. It remained unclear whether the ambulance transports were indicated or not. CONCLUSION: The data show, that the handling of patients before the diagnosis of a deep vein thrombosis is proved or excluded has to be improved. The referring doctors have to be trained to shorten the time delay and to avoid unnecessary investigations. The sense of the recommended screening for clinical probability has to be re-evaluated and the questions of responsibility for transport safety have to be discussed.