GeniB

A new ex-pat neighbour asked me yesterday, who to go to for a specific medical problem.(stomach and bowel)
I suggested local doctor for initial consultation (aka UK method) .She was surprised and said she understood she could go directly to that dept at the hospital and make an appointment with the appropriate doctor. Wondered if I had ever done that.

Feeling a bit dumb on this one. How does it work in Portugal? I have never had to do more than get a throat infection treated .

mikelincs

She needs a gastroenterologist.

Mike

You can do this privately but not through State I think.

GeniB

Yes she does,but can she go directly to that dept in the hospital ? I don't think you can do that in the UK.

ouriquejan

I went to private doctor in Faro, who then referred me to Faro Hospital gastro clinic. Saw Dr Paulo Cadeira, cost was 7.75 each visit and take a cushion, cos the seats are rock hard

But I would imagine the normal doc at centro de saude would do the same thing, we just didn't have a family doctor then.

It can be a long wait, but they're very good in Faro.

Red Eric

The normal procedure, assuming it's treatment under the public service, is to go through the GP you've been assigned to and they will decide what analysis or referral is required. You can't just pitch up at a public hospital asking to see a specialist but you can go to the emergency department if you have any sort of a crisis.

GeniB

Ok thats what I thought . If she has private insurance she can. I just don't have any experience of anyone who has needed to do that. Except for friends who have gone to Lisbon for their treatments for cancer and for heart problems. Am I missing something here?. Never occurred to ask them why/how they did that.

liveaboard

You have to start by specifying whether this person is using the public system or has private insurance.
With our private insurance, we call the private hospital and make an appointment with any specialist we want.
In fact, I just did that.

Naaling

If the situation is urgent then go directly to the emergency department of your local public hospital. In these situations its a waste of time seeing a GP at a health center, because they will just send you to the hospital anyway.
If the situation isn't urgent, or you just need a prescription for medication then see a GP at the health center. They can put you on a waiting list to see a specialist, but be prepared to wait a few months or even a year!

GeniB

Thanks Live ..Yes she does have private Insurance (just asked her) Thanks for clarifying that. You can indeed by -pass any GP with that ,and go directly to the specialist you wish to see. Useful info for me too.

GeniB

Thanks everyone for your replies. It does make a difference if you have private insurance (obviously) but wasn't sure if the procedure for first seeing GP was different..Now i know and so does my neighbour. Thanks again..Isn't this forum fantastic.