The Huisartsenpost: Understanding Out-of-Hours GP Care in the Netherlands

What is the Huisartsenpost?

The 'Huisartsenpost' (GP out-of-hours service) is a centralized service providing urgent primary medical care when regular GP practices are closed. This includes evenings, nights, weekends, and public holidays. It is designed for medical problems that cannot wait until your own GP's next opening hours but are NOT life-threatening emergencies (for which you would call 112).

Each region in the Netherlands has one or more Huisartsenposten, often located near hospitals. They are staffed by GPs and medical assistants.

When to Call the Huisartsenpost

You should contact the Huisartsenpost for urgent medical concerns that arise when your regular GP is unavailable. This means situations where you genuinely need medical advice or attention that day/night, but your life is not in immediate danger.

Examples of appropriate reasons to call:

• Sudden, severe pain (e.g., abdominal pain, severe headache).
• High fever, especially in children, with concerning associated symptoms.
• Acute worsening of a chronic condition.
• Allergic reactions (non-life-threatening).
• Urgent questions about medication or a condition that cannot wait.

How the Huisartsenpost Works

The process for contacting and receiving care from the Huisartsenpost is as follows:

1. Find the Number: The phone number for your local Huisartsenpost is usually available on your regular GP practice's website or answering machine. It's wise to save it in your phone.
2. Call Them: Explain your symptoms clearly to the medical assistant or GP on the phone. They will often ask for your BSN (Citizen Service Number) and health insurance details.
3. Assessment: Based on your description, they will assess the urgency and determine the next step:
   • Telephone advice.
   • An appointment at the Huisartsenpost.
   • A home visit by a GP (for immobile patients).
   • Direct referral to a hospital emergency room if deemed necessary (very rare, usually for severe issues that are borderline 112).
4. Follow-up: Any notes or prescriptions will be shared with your regular GP to ensure continuity of care.

Huisartsenpost vs. 112 vs. Hospital ER

It's crucial to understand the distinction between these services:

Costs of the Huisartsenpost

Visits and consultations with the Huisartsenpost are covered by your basic health insurance and, importantly, are exempt from your mandatory 'eigen risico' (deductible). This means you will not pay out of pocket for the consultation itself. However, any prescribed medications or subsequent specialist referrals resulting from your visit WILL count towards your 'eigen risico'.