Your GP (General Practitioner)
When you register with the national register in your municipal authority, you can choose which GP you want; whether you prefer a male or female doctor, for example.
Access to the public health service is through your GP. Your GP can treat some health problems immediately. Others may require a referral for further examination or treatment by a specialist or treatment at a hospital.
You do not need a referral from your GP if you need to go and see a dentist or if you are in acute pain and need to go to hospital emergency or require immediate hospitalisation.
In Denmark, visiting your GP is free.
Visiting your GP is free, as is hospitalisation. The costs are borne by the tax payer.
At the doctor's
Make an appointment
If you need to see your doctor, be sure to call and make an appointment. Most GPs have office hours from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., daily. You will be given an appointment no later than five days after the time of your call. If you are feeling very unwell, your doctor will probably make room to see you the same day.
Examination, treatment or referral
The doctor will examine you and decide on the next step. You may be given a medical prescription.
The doctor can also refer you for further examination or treatment by a specialist - for example, a dermatologist or a gynaecologist. Visits to a specialist are also free. Your doctor may refer you for a form of treatment for which you are required to pay some of the costs. This might be treatment by a physiotherapist or a psychologist.
Finally, your doctor can arrange for you to be hospitalised, if this is deemed necessary.
Interpreter
Your doctor must ensure that you understand each other. If you do not speak the same language, the doctor must call for an interpreter.
