GP

A GP is a doctor who works outside a hospital. Most other doctors and medical specialists work in hospitals. A GP works in a (group) practice in a village or town.

A GP is usually the first point of contact when someone becomes ill. A GP keeps track of their patients' medical history. A GP has extensive general medical knowledge, which means they can help in many cases or refer you to a medical specialist.

Advantages of a GP compared with a medical specialist

A major advantage is that a GP knows their patients' medical history. In addition, a GP knows about the patient's living environment, including their family situation. A medical specialist does not know the patient's whole story.

Making an appointment with a GP

To make an appointment, call the practice where the GP works. The GP's assistant makes the appointment. They will often ask about the complaint to gain a better understanding of its severity. You are not obliged to tell the assistant about it. The GP assesses the complaint. If possible, it is treated immediately, with advice, medication or a minor procedure. If this is not possible, the GP will refer you to a specialist.

GP services in the evening or at weekends

In an emergency during the evenings or at weekends, you can contact the out-of-hours GP service. This is a location where a GP works outside normal working hours. The service covers a larger region, with all GPs in that region taking turns working there. A doctor's assistant also answers the telephone and assesses the complaint. If advice is all that is needed, they will provide it. All advice is assessed by the GP.

Registering with a new GP

You can register with any GP, provided that the GP is accepting new patients. You are also always allowed to change GP. It is important to feel comfortable with your own GP.

A GP can treat a maximum of 2095 patients when working full-time (2020 figures). Once this number has been reached, you cannot register with that GP. The GP must also work in the region where their patients live, so that they can provide care at home when necessary.