If you want to see a medical specialist, you may have to wait a few weeks. In the Netherlands, the waiting times for a specialist are relatively long.
Patience is a virtue
In 2010, thirty percent of patients had to wait longer than four weeks for specialist care, such as medical, surgical or obstetric care. In other European countries it happens less often that someone has to be patient for four weeks or more. In Germany, this only happened to 17 percent of patients.
Treeknorm
The most important explanation is the Treeknorm. This standard was established in 2000 and prescribes how long the waiting time for a certain treatment may be. For example, you must be able to see the doctor within three days, and the pharmacy on the same day. The waiting time for a visit to a specialist is six weeks.
Improvement
Compared to a few years ago, patients now have to wait less long. According to a spokesperson for the Dutch Association of Hospitals (NVZ), this is because the Dutch do not go to a medical specialist very quickly. In addition, the GP determines whether you will be referred to a specialist.
But then you also have some
We may have to wait a little longer than average. The NVZ sector report also showed that Dutch specialist medical care performs well in terms of use, quality, accessibility and affordability.
