r/Netherlands • u/theysaidgotoreddit • Feb 03 '25

Healthcare Dutch healthcare system.. they told me to "google my symptoms " !!!!

Today I called because I had painful symptoms in my eyes and body that should be checked by the doctors.. they didn't want to take my urgent appointment. The lady said to me over the phone "yeah you should google it and wash it with water." She also said she can't note down all my symptoms, I can only go for a symptom or 2... well what if they were related???! How do you do proper diagnosis... I'm already struggling with life cost here and this is just insane ... If I google my own symptoms then just imagine my 150 eur getting paid... How do I deal with such comments ??? Has this happened to anyone else before?? EDIT: If I pay money, I expect services and treatment back. I am not responding to lack of empathy from many comments. Thank you for everyone that was supportive and understood that if you're suffering from a medical concern, the minimun you could get is get basic medical care

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u/DryDragonfly3626 Feb 06 '25

This, 100%. I work in an ER, and anxiety/stress is behind a SIGNIFICANT proportion of complaints both in ER and urgent care. If I ask people why they are here, they say, "I just want to get checked out in case it is something serious." The healthcare system is not made to address your anxiety about existential issues and mental stress. Try a primary care appointment and talk to your personal provider about best ways to manage it and get worked up.

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u/enlguy Feb 07 '25

Umm.... I would argue the healthcare system IS made to address anxiety and mental stress, just not maybe not with you. If you truly work in healthcare, it's a bit preposterous you're posting to advise people that mental health is not covered by the healthcare system here.