When should you contact your GP, the out-of-hours GP service or call 112? Find out where to go with your health question and what to expect.
When should you contact your GP?
In the Netherlands, your GP is your first point of contact for health problems. You can contact your GP if you have physical or mental health problems, questions about your health, or minor injuries such as a cut or sprain. You can also go to your GP for check-ups or support with a chronic condition.
Your GP looks at your symptoms and your situation first. In many cases, advice or simple treatment is enough. If needed, they refer you to a specialist.
Not sure if you should contact a GP?
First check Thuisarts.nl. This website gives reliable information from doctors. Still unsure? Then contact your GP practice. In most cases, you will first speak to the assistant. They will assess your question and decide what is needed.
Evening, night or weekend
Do you need care outside office hours and cannot wait until the next day? Then contact the out-of-hours GP service.
Only use this for urgent problems that cannot wait. In life-threatening situations, always call 112.
Jojanneke Kant
GP in The Hague
As a GP, I think it’s important that everyone can find the right information about health and illness. Through my Instagram, I try to contribute to this in an accessible way.
Who does what? Jojanneke explained
Did you know that there are often more people working in a GP practice than just the GP? In many practices, other staff members also help you with questions about your health or symptoms. Below, you can see who you may meet in a GP practice and how they can help you.
Doctor’s assistant
The doctor’s assistant supports the GP and is often your first point of contact. The assistant answers the phone and is trained to assess your symptoms and decide when you need care. The assistant also helps with medical procedures, such as ear irrigation, urine tests, injections and measuring blood pressure. They can also give advice for common health problems.The assistant always works according to the GP’s instructions and, like the GP, has a duty of confidentiality.
Practice nurse (POH)
A practice nurse supports the GP in providing care. This can be for chronic conditions such as diabetes or asthma, but also for mental health problems or care for older people. The practice nurse has their own consultations, gives advice and carries out checks. They also work closely with the GP to help you as well as possible.
General practitioner
The GP helps you with health problems and keeps an overview of your care. You can contact the GP for advice, support with chronic conditions, or questions about your health. The GP can examine and treat many conditions. For example, skin problems, pain, or physical or mental health complaints. Most GPs can also carry out minor medical procedures. The GP also refers you to a specialist if needed and supports people with long-term conditions. Like other healthcare providers, the GP has a duty of confidentiality.
What to expect
Not every health problem needs tests or a referral. Your GP will first talk with you about your symptoms and your situation. This helps the GP understand what is going on and what care is needed.
During the appointment, explain what you feel as clearly as you can. The GP uses medical knowledge to assess your symptoms and will tell you what they think and why. Together you discuss what can help and what you prefer. Sometimes advice or a simple treatment is enough. If you need specialist care, the GP will arrange a referral.
Frequently asked questions
Why is an amount charged every month for my GP?
A GP may charge a registration fee every quarter for each patient registered at the practice. This also applies if you have not visited the GP. These costs are fully reimbursed. You do not pay anything yourself.
What costs can my GP charge?
Your GP may charge the following costs:
a consultation, home visit or telephone consultation
a registration fee (so you can always contact your GP)
additional fees (for example for the practice nurse)
These costs are fully covered by your basic insurance. You do not pay a deductible for GP care.
Does your GP request additional tests, such as blood or urine tests? Then you may have to pay your deductible. Check your healthcare costs in My CZ.
Will my care always be reimbursed if I have a referral?
No. A referral does not automatically mean your care is reimbursed. Always check the conditions of your insurance. lso check if your healthcare provider has a contract with us. If you choose a provider without a contract, you may receive a lower reimbursement.
What can I go to the pharmacy for?
The pharmacy provides your medication and explains how to use it. Do you have questions about your medication? For example about how it works, side effects or alternatives? The pharmacist also checks if your medicines are safe to use at the same time.
I have a complaint about my GP. What can I do?
First, discuss your complaint with your GP. Explain what you think went wrong. Often, a conversation helps to find a solution. If you cannot resolve it together, you can file a complaint with an independent complaints officer. They will help to mediate between you and the practice. Read more on Thuisarts.nl
