FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

When can I change my GP?

Each health insured person may change his/her GP from 01 - 30 June to 01 - 31 December.

Outside these periods, changing a GP is possible in the case of:

• Change of the person's current address;

• Lack of GP in the current location of residence;

• Termination of the GP's practice.

How can I change my GP?

Visit the GP of your choice and sign a 'GP Choice Registration' form. You do not need to complete any other paperwork in advance.

Each GP's software program supports this registration form.

You can also contact the NHIF, which can fully assist you in selecting a new GP by providing information on GPs in the relevant health district.

What check-ups am I due when I see my GP?

Each insured person is entitled to one annual prophylactic check-up. For patients over 18, such check-up includes:

• medical history and complete objective status;

• laboratory tests of blood and urine;

• completion of a questionnaire;

• formation of risk groups, etc.

PSA test for prostate cancer is added to the check-ups for men over 50 and for women over 50 - Mammography screening for breast cancer.

The type and frequency of preventive examinations and tests to which patients are subject are determined, according to age.

What examinations are due for the chronically ill?

The volume of examinations and the number of follow-up visits for chronically ill patients depend on their condition and diagnosis.

What examinations are due for children?

Preventive activities include various examinations, tests and immunizations, according to the age group each child falls into. Monitoring is carried out by the child's GP and, where the GP is not a pediatrician, parents have the right to choose a specialist in childhood diseases. The GP has medical referrals for consultation or joint treatment with pediatric specialists and, if necessary, refers children to them.

Immunizations included in the immunization calendar are compulsory and are carried out only by the GP. Parents or guardians who do not ensure that their children receive the compulsory immunizations are liable to a penalty.

Children up to 18 years of age do not owe a user fee for examination by the GP.

What examinations are due for during pregnancy?

The Maternal Health Programme of the NHIF includes examinations and tests to monitor pregnancy.

• In normal pregnancies, monitoring is carried out by the GP or an obstetrics and gynecologist (at the choice of the mother).

• In the case of a high-risk pregnancy, the Maternal Health Programme is implemented by a specialist obstetrician-gynecologist on a mandatory basis.

For any illness occurring in the course of pregnancy or up to the 42nd day after delivery, a consultation with the relevant specialist doctor is carried out. All pregnant women are exempted from paying the user fee until 45 days after delivery.

In cases where preventive examinations and tests of pregnant women with normal or at-risk pregnancies are carried out by a specialist obstetrician and gynecologist, the future mother must inform her GP of the date and outcome of the delivery.

Can an e-note be issued with a backdate?

From 01.10.2023, students' absences for health reasons will be excused by e-note entirely electronically. Each note will be issued with the date on which the child was examined, but the period for excusing absences may be backdated.

Example: If a child is ill on a Friday (date: 15th) and the parent takes the child for a check-up on Monday (date: 18th), the note will be dated the 18th, but will excuse absences taken during the period of illness - starting from the 15th.

Which medicines are prescribed by e-prescription?

You can obtain the following medicinal products only by e-prescription:

• Medications partially or fully reimbursed by the NHIF;

• Medications with a green prescription;

• Antibacterial medication for systemic use;

• Medications for the treatment of diabetes.

The following products will continue to be dispensed as before, by white prescription:

• Antibiotic creams;

• Combinations of antibiotic and corticosteroid ointment;

• Antibiotic eye drops.