Do you register with a local surgery, like in the UK?

Family, Education, Health and Pets
1
Hello,

We have (finally) got out medical insurance numbers through, so I wondered if we need to register with a local surgery like in the UK? I have a long term medical condition, and need to get a repeat prescription lined up.

First time here, and first time using anything private, so any advice appreciated

2

Yes, you do. Like the UK you need to find a doctor/surgery that’s accepting new patients and then register with them so you can make an appointment to see a doctor.

3
Well yes, and no. The systems are very different. In the UK you have to register with a GP, and you will stay with that GP until you decide to change, and that has to be done officially. Because your GP keeps all your notes, and gets paid a (very small) yearly fee for looking after you, with a few extras for looking after you during pregnancy, and for older patients, etc.

In Switzerland, you don't have to, as such. And fees will be itemised and paid as you go, the Insurance picking up the tap after you have used up your 'franchise'. And you are free to shop around (and this costs the system huge amounts of money, btw, and in many ways is not safe as x-rays and other tests are repeated, and prescriptions not properly supervised for interactions, etc) and change as you like... in principle. In reality, it is far far better to find a GP that will take you on and keep an eye on your prescriptions, recommend and be in touch with specialists if and when necessary, and have a more 'holistic' view of your health care.

But it also depends on your Insurance Model. Did you pick a cheaper option which actually requires you to be registered from an approved list?

4

This is important. Depending on the model - "normal", Telmed, HMO, GP - you might or might not have to register with a GP, but in any case it is recommended.

We have the GP model, which is cheaper, but it means that for all specialist visits (apart from gynecology, possibly ophthalmology (?)) we first need to see our GP (adults) or a pediatrician (kids). The primary doctor then refers you to the appropriate specialist.

In practice, it works really well for us. We also live in a canton with very high density of health care facilities and high premiums; don't know if this is relevant.

5
If you need prescriptions and follow up care, it helps to have a GP. You can ask your insurance for a list, ask colleagues, neighbors if you know any. I have lived near Bern and in Winterthur and both times picked the practice nearest my house. My requirement was only that the doctor speak English. I’ve been happy with both GP choices, and have been with my current GP 10 years.

Some practices in Kanton Zurich will actually order your meds from their pharmacy suppliers... if you can plan ahead for the next few days this is what we do.

All my other specialists have been obtained via referral from my GP or other doctors or from people....I’ve asked here for example. If you live in an area with a fair number of doctors, you may be better off. There are also loosely aligned practice groups like medx or wintimed. And the insurers have telehealth lines that can help you. Good luck.

I have not experienced delays in care, long waits, etc.

6
If you put your postal code/area of Zurich you may get reccomendation from users here.

7
As per above, it's easier if you don't think of it like the UK. Everything here goes through your insurance provider based on your policy.

For example, I have Swica 'Telemed' so in the first instance I call Swica if I want medical help, and then I can make an appointment with whoever and wherever I want. Once I've made the initial contact with Swica for that condition I can continue treatment in whatever manner the doctors consider appropriate without going back to Swica (for 2 years.. I think.. then I think I have to just notify Swica that the treatment is ongoing)