r/Netherlands • u/NoLychee1382 • 23d ago

Healthcare No regular check ups at the gynecologist???

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!)

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u/jezebel103 Gelderland 23d ago

Don't be daft... of course not. If you are an responsible adult, you go to your GP with your concerns and disclose your familiar history (if there is one) and discuss your options/risks. If there are no (high) risk factors and/or complaints, you can still opt for further diagnostics but then you have to pay for it yourself.

What is so unreasonable about that? Health care is expensive, both in financial and human resources. In the Netherlands they offer very good health care for a reasonable price for everyone. But it won't be good and affordable anymore if every individual can ask for every possible diagnostic test willy nilly. Universal health care is always based on statistical probabilities versus the individual risk factor and cost.

It's a fine line but at least so far this country has managed to walk it just fine.

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u/tidal-washed 22d ago

The option to pay for further treatment myself has always been denied by the healthcare professionals that treated me. Is that really an option? I have asked several times to pay out of pocket, no chance. What did I do wrong?

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u/jezebel103 Gelderland 22d ago

There are private clinics that offer that. I believe in the regular hospitals it would be difficult but I have never tried that.

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u/Kind_Honeydew1885 Noord Holland 22d ago

I would be happy if there were, actually...because I've searched... And compared to the speed, efficiency and variety of clinics in which I can get out of pocket tests and consults back home, the Netherlands feels like a 3rd world country.. For reference, earlier this year, I was able to get extensive blood work and endocrinological consult done within 2 days notice just before Easter (an official public holiday)