Free choice for patients in Valencia region

PATIENTS in the Valencia Region can now choose which family doctor or specialist they wish to attend to them.
The new decree of the Consell, as reported last month in the Euro Weekly News, has now come in to force relating to free choice in the field of primary and speciality care within the Valencian Health System.
The new standard will mean a patient can choose to be treated by any service specialists, such as cardiologists, orthopaedic surgeons and ophthalmologists from any of the 24 health departments in the Community.
If the patient requires surgery, they may also choose to be operated in the hospital of their choice. One exception is intensive care departments.
The free choice of doctor is not limited only to specialised care. Patients may also choose any family doctor and nurse within their own department to be seen by.
Patient forms are now available within medical centres and on the Ministry of Health website for people to request a change of medical profession.
They will be sent to the new doctor who will issue a report and has 15 days to respond to the patient.