1. General information

a Why do I need a GP?
All people in the Netherlands have their own GP or GP practice in which they are enrolled. In order to be seen by a GP, enrollment is a necessity.
The General Practitioner (GP, or Huisarts in Dutch) is almost always the first person to consult when facing health problems. Dutch GPs see a range of patients, from babies to pregnant women, adults and the elderly.
The GP is familiar with a range of symptoms such as skin conditions, gynecological problems, infections, psychological problems, airway problems, or problems with the heart, as well as headaches, stomachaches and sexual complaints.
The GPs can perform a number of tests themselves and can request a wide range of other tests, such as STD tests, pap smears and blood work. In the majority of cases the GP will treat the complaint directly, either by giving advice or prescribing medication. The GP also does minor surgery, such as treating wounds or the placement of Intrauterine Devices (IUDs).
Be aware that the GP does not have any knowledge regarding dental problems; for these you will need to see the dentist!
If the GP is not able to do the diagnoses or treatment, you will be referred to a specialist in the hospital.

b. Register as a patient
If you live in Tilburg with zip code 5037 you can register as a patient in our practice.
To register as a patient you have to fill in the registration. You can do this online or you can come to our practice to pick up the form. To register you must have an insurance.
If you first come to our practice you should arrive 15 minutes before your appointment. We can then complete your registration and check your insurance.
You should bring the following with you to your first appointment:

o   A form of identification (passport, driver’s license or a government-issued ID)
o   Your proof of insurance/card with valid dates

c.Opening hours practice
Our practice is open from Monday to Friday between 08.00 and 17.00. At lunchtime (12.30 till 13.30) our practice is closed.

2. Make an appointment with the GP

a. How do I make an appointment?
To make an appointment you must call to our practice.
Docter Hekking: 013-4681353
Docter Wijffels: 013-4670784
Docter Mees: 013-4686868
Please note that you must call between 08.00 and 9.30 in the morning.
If you need to cancel the appointment, we prefer that you call to our practice.
A single appointment takes 10 minutes and is meant to discuss one complaint. Tell the assistant if you think you need a double appointment in case of psychological problems, multiple or complex complains

b. What to bring
You need to bring the following with you:
o   ID card
o   Insurance papers

c. What if the practice is closed/out of office?
Outside the opening hours of our practice there is a GP service, which can be reached in the evening, night, and the weekends. In Tilburg this so-called ‘huisartsenpost’ and can be found on Lage Witsiebaan 2a. You can reach the service at 085-5360300. It is also possible to do a consult by telephone.

Costs
a. Medical telephone advice: 15,46 euro
b. Consultation with a docter (1 complain): 30,91 euro
c. Consultation with a docter (2 complains): 61,82 euro
At first you must pay in cash. You can send the bill to your insurance company. They will refund you the money.