In Ukraine, patients have the right to freely choose their family doctor regardless of their place of residence or registration. If the doctor is not satisfactory or other circumstances arise, they can choose a new specialist without breaking the declaration with the previous one.
To change a family doctor, it is enough to sign a declaration with a new one. The old declaration is automatically canceled in the system. If the patient simply wants to terminate the declaration, without signing a new one, they must submit a free-form application to the medical institution. Emergency care will be provided without any problems in this case, but for scheduled services, a declaration with a family member is still required.
It is not necessary to come to the previous doctor for an appointment. If a new declaration is signed, a visit to the previous medical institution is not necessary. If the patient simply tears up the declaration, the application can be submitted to the registry office or to the head doctor. It is also not necessary to inform the old doctor about the change, but sometimes it helps to get useful recommendations for further treatment.
To sign a new declaration, you will need a passport, identification number, and the child's birth certificate if the choice of doctor concerns a baby. You will also need a mobile phone for contact. The declaration is valid until the patient decides to change doctors. You can choose a family doctor an unlimited number of times, but you cannot be served by several family members at the same time.
You can find a doctor both in municipal institutions and in private clinics or among self-employed doctors. Before choosing, it is worth learning about the doctor's professional qualities, his attitude to vaccination, his ability to consult remotely, and his willingness to come to your home on calls. A list of all medical institutions and doctors is available on the website of the National Health Service of Ukraine.
Free choice of a family doctor helps to find a specialist who understands the patient's condition and effectively collaborates to improve their health.
