The GP (huisarts) and making an appointment

Look for a nearby practice through sites such as Zorgkaart Nederland or your insurer's site, and call to ask whether they accept new patients, since some practices are full.

• When registering you need an ID, your BSN and insurance details, and sometimes a form is required.
• You can register your whole family.
• You should live near the practice because doctors may visit you at home when needed.
• You are usually not allowed to register with more than one doctor at a time.
• If you have to change you can do so easily, and your records are transferred.
• You are not required to choose a doctor from the insurer, since you are free to choose.

An appointment is booked by calling the practice, often early in the morning, or through its website or app.

• When the assistant (assistente) answers she will ask the reason for your visit, so state your symptoms clearly and their duration, and it is normal that she decides how urgent it is. A usual visit lasts about ten minutes, so prepare your symptoms in advance and write them down to use the time well.
• If you have more than one problem ask for a double appointment.
• If the case is urgent say so and explain why, and you may get a same-day appointment.
• And do not hesitate to ask about what you do not understand.

Dutch doctors are direct, and may recommend waiting and observing or simple painkillers before tests or strong medicines, which is part of an approach that avoids over-treatment.

• This may seem strange to someone used to antibiotics being prescribed quickly.
• If your condition does not improve, return, and if you feel your problem was not taken seriously explain your symptoms clearly and insist gently.
• When needed the doctor gives you a referral (verwijsbrief) to a specialist or hospital, and insurance does not cover a specialist visit without it. And you should choose a hospital contracted with your insurer for full cover.

When the practice is closed and the matter cannot wait until morning call the out-of-hours GP service (huisartsenpost) in your area, and you will find its number on your practice's site or its automated phone message.

• The staff member will assess your condition by phone and decide whether you need a visit to the centre, a home visit or an ambulance.
• Do not go directly to the hospital emergency department except in serious cases, since you are usually directed to the GP centre.
• In life-threatening cases call 112 at once.
• A visit to the out-of-hours GP centre does not count against the annual deductible.

Your medical records are subject to strict confidentiality, and your employer or any other party is not informed of your condition without your consent.

• You have the right to see your file and request a copy.
• If your Dutch or English is weak ask for an interpreter, or bring a trusted friend preferably an adult, and a telephone interpreting service exists in some facilities.
• Do not be shy about asking about your culture and religion, such as requesting a female doctor for gynaecological examinations, which is often met.
• You are free to get a second medical opinion.
• For complaints go first to the practice, then to the complaints committee (Geschillencommissie) or the health inspectorate.

Who is the first gatekeeper of the healthcare system?