Everyone who is resident in a Norwegian municipality is entitled to be registered as a patient with a primary doctor (GP). This means everyone who is registered in the Population Register as resident in a Norwegian municipality. In addition, asylum seekers and their family members are also entitled to be registered with a primary doctor (GP). The right lapses if the asylum application is rejected. This is called the primary doctor (GP) scheme. The regular GP scheme is voluntary, but if you choose to remain outside it, you will have to find a doctor yourself if you need treatment, and the patient charge you have to pay will also be higher. Only 0.4 per cent of the Norwegian population have chosen to remain outside the scheme. You can find and change your regular GP yourself either by calling the regular GP scheme service line or via the the Norwegian Health Economics Administration (HELFO) website.
A regular GP is responsible for examining, diagnosing and treating the patients on his/her list, and this also includes prescribing medication and issuing sick notes. The regular GP is also responsible for referring patients to hospitals, other medical specialists and physiotherapists. You must pay a consultation fee when you visit your primary doctor, unless you have an exemption card.
If the patient does not speak Norwegian or English, he/she is entitled to use an interpreter. Notify your doctor in advance if you need an interpreter. Health personnel are responsible for organising an interpreter if necessary.
Labour immigrants who are not registered as residing in a Norwegian municipality are not entitled to a primary doctor. However, anyone in need of emergency health care (when their life or health is in danger) will receive this care irrespective of their residence status.
If you wish to register with a regular GP or change your GP, please call HELFO's regular GP scheme service line on tel. 810 59 500 or visit www.helfo.no.
