Decide which health centre or outpatient clinic you want to use
Sweden lets you choose your own primary care – the health centre or outpatient clinic that you want to use. Often you can decide which doctor you want to see on a regular basis.
As a parent, you choose an outpatient clinic for your children. As of a certain age, which varies from one county or region to another, children can make their own choice.
You might have various reasons for wanting to choose your own health centre or outpatient clinic. For example, you might be looking for a centre or clinic that
- is close to your home or job
- has staff members who speak or can provide information in the language that you understand best
- offers well-documented quality care
- is open during hours that work best for you
- offers online booking
- provides specialised diabetes or elderly care, etc.
What centres and clinics can you choose from?
You can choose from all health centres and outpatient clinics in your county or region.
If your county has signed an agreement with another county, you may have the option of being listed at a health centre there instead.
You can visit a health centre in another county every once in a while – that county will be compensated by the county where you live in such cases. Unless the healthcare guarantee applies, you will be responsible for paying any travel expenses.
Vårdval covers both public and private health centres and outpatient clinics. However, the private centre or clinic must have signed an agreement with the county or region.
Health care is subject to the same quality standards regardless of whether the provider is public or private.
If a health centre or outpatient clinic cannot accommodate more patients, the county can help you get on the waiting list. If you change your mind, you can always choose another centre or clinic.
If you need specialist care, you can choose either an outpatient clinic or a hospital. You may need a referral under certain circumstances.
Vårdval/Choose care and Hälsoval/health choices procedures vary
The way that health care is organised, as well as Vårdval and Hälsoval procedures, vary from one county or region to another.
