Students
We also accept foreign students, only with a Dutch insurance (no AON) and you live in our postal code (6525 or 6564). If you are here for a short time, or a long time, you can see us for your medical problems. You can make an appointment with the assistant bij telephone (between 8.00 – 12.30 and 15.00 – 17.00, 024-3552339), when connected, just press 3 for a direct connection to the assistant.
You can register at the practice. Please fill in this form.
Make sure to bring a valid ID card or passport at your first visit to identify yourself.
When you leave the Netherlands please unsubscribe at your GP by this form.
Practical information
We only accept registration from people who live in our area. That is postal code; 6525 or 6564. If you do not live in our area, we kindly ask you to find a general practitioner near by your home.
Here you can read extra info; GP healthcare in Nijmegen
Opening hours
Working days 08:00 am – 17:00 pm.
The practice counter is closed from 10.00 am -10.20 am and from 12.30 am– 13.30 pm.
In case of emergency please phone our regular number +31243552339 and press 1.
We have an English phone menu.
Emergency
For emergencies within 8.00 – 17.00, please phone our regular number +31243552339 and press 1.
Out of office hours, please contact the Central GP Service Nijmegen (Huisartsen spoedpost Nijmegen) 024-3523579.
The emergency number 112 is for when you need urgent help, for instance when your life is in immediate danger, or if someone is seriously injured and needs prompt medical attention,
Appointments
Appointments can be made between 8.00 am – 12.00 pm and between 15.00 pm and 17.00 pm. A regular appointment takes 12 minutes. If you need more time, for example if you have more questions or in case of small surgery, please inform the assistant, she will reserve more time for you. Please try to keep phone calls with the assistant as short as possible, so the general practice stays accessible for everybody. Before you call to make an appointment, take into consideration what day/time you can and cannot visit the general practice.
Consultation by phone
If you would like to discuss a problem with the GP by telephone, please call between 8.00 – 11.00. The GP will call you back later that day (usually between 12.00 and 14.00).
Prescriptions
You can get your prescriptions online by MijnGezondheidsnet.nl or at the practice counter
Home visite
Home visits are meant for people who can’t make it to the practice due to physical reasons. If you are too sick, handicapped or have difficulty walking, the GP will visit you at home.
We always prefer our patients to visit the practice, since we have better equipment and options to examine and treat you there. If you can, please visit the practice instead of requesting a home visit.
Our GP’s
Paul Pulles (m) | Monday/Tuesday/Thursday/Friday
Maaike Gieben (f) | Tuesday/Wednesday / Friday
Sabine Kayser (f) | Monday /Wednesday
Marleen Alink (f) | Monday / Thursday
Introduction to Dutch healthcare
You can be assured that you will receive high quality health care in The Netherlands. However, some things will be arranged in a different way than you are used to. Here we will explain the most important differences. We understand that you may have concerns and we are here to help you navigate Dutch Healthcare system.
Scheduling Appointments
When you call your GP’s office to make an appointment, the GP’s assistant (doktersassistente), a trained professional, will ask questions to determine the urgency of your situation. The GP’s assistant is a professional and has obligatory confidentiality. Asking questions is done only to have the patient and the doctor better prepared, to suggest alternatives, like a consultation by phone or e-mail, or in some cases, to check if more immediate action is required. Home visits are reserved for urgent cases and people incapable of visiting the GP’s office. Normally a regular consult with a GP is limited to 12 minutes.
Appointments can be made between 08:00am- 12:30 pm and between 15:00 pm– 17:00 pm. If you call, make sure you press 3, you will be directly connected to the assistant. In case of an emergency press 1.
It is also possible to come by without an appointment. Every morning between 8.00 am and 8.15 am. This is especially for problems which do not take a long time, maximum 2-3 minutes. Our advice is to make an appointment, for problems that need more time.
The role of the GP
The role of the GP in the Dutch health system is central to all health care. For many newcomers the single most important difference between medical practice in The Netherlands and that of other countries is the predominant role of the GP. Your GP is the key to the Dutch world of medicine. The GP treats patients for basic problem sand can answer most of your general health questions. (S)he will also perform, for example, standard gynecological or pediatric examinations. Your GP will also serve as your link to most other services, such as hospitalization, specialists, home nursing midwifery and physiotherapy
Referral for specialist medical care
If your GP cannot diagnose or treat a problem (s)he will refer you to a specialist. You may have to wait several weeks or more for an appointment, unless the matter is urgent. Some insurance companies can work with you to help to speed up your appointment.
Urine analysis
If you think you have a urinary infection, you can ask the assistant to check your urine. Hand over a sample of your first “midstream morning urine” before 10.00 am. Midstream urine means that from the first morning urine, you collect the mid part; first urinate a little bit to get rid of bacteria, then you collect your urine.
Preventative Care and Health Checks
The Netherlands has good nation-wide preventive health programs. Preventative health programs are available at different stages in an individual’s development and most are free of charge. There are screening programs during pregnancy and several after a child is born such as developmental checkups and a preventative vaccination program. These checkups are done by the Consultation Bureau. There is also population screening later in life for diseases such as breast, cervical and colon cancer. Next to that there are also screening options available for people at risk for certain disease such as cardiovascular, pulmonary or sexually transmitted diseases.
A general check-up is not recommended in the Netherlands This is because scientific evidence suggests that general health checks are unlikely to be beneficial and may cause harm. If you are concerned and still may wish for a general checkup, please contact your GP to discuss the matter.
Medication
Most medicines require a prescription from your GP after a personal consultation, since they can be potentially harmful. However, after a consultation, it is possible you will receive a diagnosis but no medication. Dutch physicians believe it is often best to let an illness run its course without expensive and potentially dangerous tests and medication. This wait-and-see approach is medically appropriate for minor illnesses such as a soar throat or a common cold. That being said we do also encourage a shared decision model, where patient and doctor as much as possible form a treatment plan together. If possible, show the medicine that you were on back home to the GP, who can prescribe this medication or find you an appropriate alternative.
Costs and reimbursement
Do I have to pay when I consult a GP? When you have a Dutch health insurance the insurance company directly pays the GP. GP health care is not at the expense of your “Own Risk”. Also when you go to GP post night and weekend; the cost are covered by your Dutch insurance without affecting your own risk.
Medication prescribed by your GP is not included in your basic health insurance. However, there are exceptions. Your pharmacy can inform you on these. Also if you are referred to a hospital or laboratory for diagnostic blood, ultrasound, x ray, pathologic and microbiological ( for example STD ) tests and medicines, the costs will be at the expense of your own risk ( min. € 385 yearly ). Your insurance company knows exactly which costs will be covered and which not in your situation.
For an estimate of laboratory costs we refer you to the webiste of the CWZ: costs of laboratory tests.
Extra info
Here you can read extra info ; GP healthcare in Nijmegen
Here you can see an English introduction to the Dutch Health care system for patients in the Netherlands, this is not the G.P. present at this practice. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Lq3xK87eUc&feature=youtu.be
No-show policy
What is a no-show
Unfortunately, it often happens that patients do not show up for appointments with the GP, practice nurse or assistant without prior notice or cancel too late. We call a missed appointment a ‘no show’.
No-show policy
The no-show rate is compensation for the costs incurred by the practice if a patient does not show up for his/her appointment. No other patient can be scheduled in the time that has become available.
No-show invoice
Patients who have forgotten their appointment 2 or more times or have not canceled in time can receive an invoice for this.
Please note: your health insurer will not reimburse a no-show invoice.
No-show rates
The rates for a no show are €15,00 for a single consultation of 10 minutes and €30,00 for a double consultation of 20 minutes or longer. This also includes all consultations with the assistant and practice nurse.
How do you prevent a no-show invoice
Can you not make it to your appointment? Please report this at least 24 hours in advance (Monday to Friday) to the assistant on number +31243552339. The appointment will then be removed from the agenda, we can help another patient and you can make a new appointment with us immediately. Of course, no no-show fee will be charged.
Bladder infection
Bladder infection?
If you think you have a bladder infection, it is wise to have it tested. This can be done with a urine test. For a urine test, you can submit morning urine to the assistant before 10:00, preferably together with a completed urine form.
Common symptoms of a bladder infection are:
- Pain or burning sensation when urinating
- Frequently having to urinate small amounts
- A lot of urge to urinate
- Sometimes blood in the urine
What should you do?
The following rules are important for a good test:
- Wash thoroughly with water before urinating.
- Morning urine is the most concentrated and therefore easier to test.
- First urinate a little and then collect some urine. (a layer of 1 cm in a jar is sufficient)
- Use a clean plastic jar. You can pick this up from us. If you often suffer from bladder infections, it is useful to have a few in the cupboard.
- Write your name and date of birth on the ja
- Fill in this urine note (link naar engelstalig urine formulier)
Submit the urine as soon as possible. If this is not possible, store the urine container in the refrigerator. This may be done for a maximum of 4 hours.
The result
The assistant will test the urine for you. The result will be known the same afternoon. You can call the practice after 3:00 PM for this.
What can you do yourself?
You can do a few things yourself to ensure that the bladder infection goes away more quickly.
- Drink a lot (of water)
- Empty your bladder completely. Take your time and sit quietly.
- If you feel the urge to urinate, actually go and urinate. So do not delay.
- It is wise to urinate after sex. This will flush away bacteria that have come around the urethra.
- Wipe from front to back after using the toilet. This will prevent bacteria from the stool from reaching the urethra.
Further examination
Sometimes it is necessary to further examine the urine. This is not done at our practice, but in a laboratory. You may then have to submit urine again.
In the laboratory, they can test the urine for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), urinary tract infections, kidney diseases, metabolic diseases, etc.
The costs for this will be deducted from your deductible.
Other healthcare professionals
Psychologists
We have psychologists working at the centre; praktijkvoorpsychologie.net .
You can only see a psychologist when you have been referred by your GP.
Dietician
At In the medical centre, there is also a dietician; www.profitt.nl.
