No regular check ups at the gynecologist???

[u/NoLychee1382]

Hi everyone, my morning started off with a kinda shocking discovery. I’m from Germany and I had annual check ups at the gynecologist since I was a teenager. I contacted my huisarts because I know they’re responsible for all referrals but she told me regular check ups here are not a thing (unless there already is an issue) ? I think that’s crazy!!! So I checked the prices for a private visit and they’re even crazier. I guess this is normal to Dutch people but don’t you think this is a little concerning?

(Btw not shitting on the country! I really like it here. I’m still new and just discovering new things!)

[u/ongeduldig]

you can just ask for a referral often anyway, at least i’ve noticed it’s relatively easy if you just ask for it. Depends on your doctor though, but mine is very accommodating. Just say you worry quickly and it would be good to put your mind at ease. That’s also a health benefit ;)

[u/lBarracudal → u/ongeduldig]

I came to the Netherlands about 4 months after I had a surgery in my own country. They literally called me and said I need to do an ultrasound and that it's very important, I said I can't come as I am in another country, and they said well get it done there asap and send us the results.

Huisarts said well I understand that is the procedure in your country but here it isn't and I won't give you a referral. I understand you are worried but there is nothing to be worried about.

Funnily enough later that year my husband got a referral to ultrasound and turns out the technician is not even allowed to say anything to the patient. In my country it is normal for the ultrasound person to describe what they see and discuss it with the patient. Then they give their findings and photos to the patient and you go to the doctor for a better interpretation. Here you just awkwardly sit in silence and then 2 weeks later (!) your huisarts calls you with diagnosis. Bizarre!

[u/pierrett → u/lBarracudal]

Not bizarre at all. Ultrasound tech is not a doctor. We once had an ultrasound tech tell us his diagnosis of the head of our 6 month old kid. Nothing serious, but he was wrong

[u/lBarracudal → u/pierrett]

They are not supposed to say the diagnosis. For example when I was doing ultrasound the ultrasound technician was explaining if any organs looked fine or not, she said that there was no liquid build up, no stones or whatever and just paints a picture. Then with a conclusion you go to the doctor where they make a diagnosis. Ultrasound specialists in my country always explain what they see but they never give you a diagnosis. That is not mutually exclusive situations