Scope of Competence of a Primary Care Physician (PCP)

• A primary care physician, selected by the insured in accordance with Article 114 of the Act on Health Insurance in the National Health Fund, plans and provides comprehensive medical care for the patient, their family, and the community in their place of residence, taking into account the location of service delivery (in outpatient and home settings).

In the area of health maintenance, the PCP:

• Provides health education to the patient and family members.
• Conducts systematic and periodic health assessments in accordance with applicable regulations.
• Participates in health promotion programs.
• Initiates actions to preserve health within the local community.
• Certifies fitness for work and study in accordance with separate regulations.
• Provides opinions and medical certificates regarding health status.

In the area of disease prevention, the PCP:

• Identifies risk factors and health threats for patients.
• Takes measures to reduce or eliminate these risks.
• Coordinates and qualifies patients for mandatory and recommended vaccinations in accordance with applicable regulations.
• Participates in preventive programs.
• Cooperates with sanitary-epidemiological services to prevent or reduce epidemic risks.

In the area of disease diagnosis, the PCP:

• Plans and coordinates diagnostic procedures appropriate to the patient’s condition.
• Informs patients about available diagnostic procedures and indicates the appropriate healthcare structures for their execution.
• Performs patient history-taking in accordance with medical standards, considering knowledge about the patient’s family and environmental context.
• Performs physical examinations using techniques available in primary care settings.
• Orders or performs additional tests, particularly laboratory and imaging tests, as defined by applicable regulations.
• Refers patients to specialist consultations for further diagnostic evaluation.
• Refers patients to inpatient healthcare facilities for further specialized diagnostics.
• Analyzes test results and consultations conducted in other healthcare system structures.

In the area of disease treatment, the PCP:

• Plans and agrees on therapeutic procedures with the patient according to their health problem and current medical knowledge.
• Plans educational activities to reduce or eliminate the cause of the patient’s disease.
• Prescribes and monitors pharmacological treatment.
• Performs medical procedures and interventions.
• Refers patients to outpatient specialist care facilities.
• Refers patients to inpatient care units and long-term care facilities.
• Refers patients to spa treatment.
• Cooperates with emergency medical services.
• Certifies temporary incapacity for work or study according to applicable regulations.
• Integrates, coordinates, or continues medical actions taken for the patient by various providers at different levels of the healthcare system.

In the area of patient rehabilitation, the PCP:

• Performs rehabilitation procedures within their knowledge, skills, qualifications, and available resources.
• Prescribes and monitors rehabilitation procedures according to their qualifications.
• Prescribes orthopedic aids for the patient.

In providing healthcare services, the primary care physician cooperates with:

• A primary care nurse selected by the insured under Article 114 of the Act on Health Insurance in the National Health Fund.
• A primary care midwife selected by the insured under Article 114 of the Act on Health Insurance in the National Health Fund.
• A community nurse in educational settings.
• A long-term care nurse.
• Other healthcare providers according to the needs of patients.
• Representatives of organizations and institutions promoting health.