Health centres and appointment services

Basic-level appointment services refer to physicians' and nurses' appointments in social and health centres, well-being centres and health care centres as well as other specialist groups' services and appointments. Basic-level appointment services treat and examine illnesses, issue health-related certificates and statements as well as support promoting health and preventing illnesses. Appointments are available remotely and in person. Remote appointments can be held by telephone or on video, for example. Appointment services must be available during working hours either by telephone or by coming to the appointment. Call requests are answered promptly, often within the same day. When contacting the clinic, the nurse or physician will make an assessment of your need for treatment, which specifies its urgency and need. The need for treatment may be initially assessed by telephone, but at the latest within three working days of the phone call. The necessary treatment must be provided within a reasonable time, as defined by current legislation. In urgent cases, treatment must be arranged without delay. Urgent treatment refers to the immediate assessment and treatment necessitated by a sudden illness, injury, aggravation of a long-term illness or decreased ability to function, which cannot be postponed without aggravating the illness or injury.

Conditions for receiving the Service

The necessary treatment must be provided within a reasonable time, as defined by current legislation. Urgent medical care must be available according to what the illness or injury necessitates. The patient must be able to reach a health care unit without delay during office hours either by telephone or by visiting the unit. Call requests are answered promptly, often within the same day. The need for treatment may be initially assessed by telephone, but the assessment is made at the latest within three working days of the patient's phone call.

The service is subject to a charge.