Page 40 - Guide for International Students

medicAl cAre structure in estoniA:
Family physician (perearst) is the first person to consult with in case of illness. The family physician sends the person to a medical specialist, gives advice concerning the preven- tion of diseases, takes preventive measures, issues health certificates and prescriptions. In case of acute illness the family physician must see the patient the same day, otherwise within three working days. Every family physician has a list of patients they take care of. It is possible to be added to the patient’s list by submitting an application to the selected physician.
Specialist - all specialists’ visits are organised through the family physician. Exceptionally, no referral is needed to visit a psychiatrist, gynae- cologist, dermatovenerologist, ophthalmolo- gist, dentist, pulmonologist (for tuberculosis treatment), infection specialist (for HIV/AIDS treatment), surgeon or orthopaedist (for trauma- tology). For international students, it is advisable to choose all the specialists through the family physician or medical advisor. Usually specialists have consultations in the polyclinics and there is a waiting line for few weeks, in some cases even months. In the private clinics the waiting lines are shorter.
Ambulance service (kiirabi) - ambulance service is free of charge in case of emergency
or unavoidable medical aid. You can call the ambulance on 112 (free of charge) from all over Estonia.
Pharmacies (apteek) - pharmacists can assist with simple medical problems. Even though most of the drugs are issued upon a medical prescription written by a doctor, some of the painkillers, antacids, ointments, and other simple drugs could be obtained without one. There are several pharmacies around town, but you will most likely find one in any of the big shopping centres. There is a 24-hour pharmacy in the city centre at Tõnismägi Street 5.
Dentists (hambaarst) - for adults, dental care is not free. Usual visit may cost from 30 € upwards, depending on the given problem.
Dentists in the city centre:
Tallinna Hambapolikliinik
Address: Toompuiestee Street 4 Phone: 1920
E-mail: info@hambapol.ee www.hambapol.ee
hospitals and Polyclinics:
East-Tallinn Central Hospital
Address: Ravi Street 18 Phone: 1900
E-mail: info@itk.ee www.itk.ee
West-Tallinn Central Hospital
Address: Paldiski Road 68 Phone: 1314
E-mail: keskhaigla@keskhaigla.ee www.ltkh.ee
North Estonia Medical Centre
Address: Sütiste Street 19 Phone: +372 6171 049
E-mail: info@regionaalhaigla.ee www.regionaalhaigla.ee
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