FAQ
Are family doctor and other medical services at the Institution paid services?
For patients registered with the Institution and covered by compulsory health insurance, family doctor services are provided free of charge, except in cases specified by orders of the Ministry of Health (e.g., periodic preventive health checks for employment, driving licences, vaccinations, etc.).
What should I do if my family doctor does not answer the phone?
In all cases, you should call the Institution’s reception desk and explain the reason why you need to contact your family doctor.
How far in advance should I register for a prescription or renewal of medication for a chronic condition?
You should register after purchasing your medication and no later than 1–2 months before your supply runs out. In the case of an acute illness, you will be seen on the same day.
Can a nurse prescribe reimbursable medicines?
Yes. Since 1 February 2024, nurses have been authorised to renew prescriptions for patients with chronic conditions if the patient’s condition is stable and they have been taking the medication for at least three months. A nurse cannot renew prescriptions for narcotic or psychotropic medicines, or for non-reimbursable named-patient medicines. If your medication is unsuitable or your health has worsened, you should register for a consultation with your family doctor.
A nurse may always prescribe medical aids.
How are remote family doctor services provided at the Institution?
When you register for a remote consultation with a family doctor, you do not need to call yourself. At the scheduled time, wait for the doctor’s call.
Who can issue a referral for a specialist consultation covered by the National Health Insurance Fund?
A referral for a specialist consultation may be issued by a family doctor, an internal medicine physician, a paediatrician, a surgeon, an obstetrician-gynaecologist, or, for specialised dental care, a dentist. Referrals are issued not on patient request but according to medical need, taking into account the patient’s health condition. A referral is valid from the date of issue until the patient is registered for a specialist consultation or placed on a waiting list. Patients must register for a consultation within 180 calendar days — except for referrals to a rehabilitation doctor, which are valid for two months.
Can a patient with a referral choose where to receive the specialist consultation?
Yes. A patient may choose a specialist at any healthcare institution that has an agreement with the Territorial Health Insurance Fund (TLK) for reimbursement of specialist services from the Compulsory Health Insurance Fund (PSDF).
When issuing a referral for a specialist consultation, the family doctor or a member of their team must offer at least three institutions where these services are available.
Is a referral required for a specialist who monitors a patient with a chronic disease?
A referral from a family doctor is required only for the first visit of a patient who will be monitored under the Procedure for Long-Term Monitoring of Patients with Chronic Diseases (as approved by the Ministry of Health). Once the specialist confirms the need for long-term monitoring, the patient continues to see the specialist, and the referral remains valid for the entire monitoring period.
If a family doctor refers a patient to several specialists, can they issue multiple referrals on the same day?
Yes, they can.
What disease prevention programmes are implemented in Lithuania?
Currently, five prevention programmes are implemented in Lithuania: cervical cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer, colorectal cancer, and cardiovascular disease prevention programmes.
Whom should I contact to participate in a prevention programme?
To take part in a prevention programme, you should first contact your family doctor or your general practice nurse.
How can I register with the healthcare Institution and choose a family doctor?
Registration with the Outpatient Clinic is carried out in accordance with the procedure approved by the Ministry of Health.
You can register:
- by visiting the Institution in person;
- by sending a signed request by email (with a qualified electronic signature);
- via the e-Government Gateway.
Can a patient be registered with the Institution by another person?
Yes, if that person is a legal representative or an authorised representative.
Can a patient change their family doctor?
Yes. If a patient chooses to change their family doctor, they may select another doctor working at the Institution, except for doctors whose patient registration has been suspended. In such cases, a standard application form must be completed.
Who is eligible for the Outpatient Nursing Services at Home (ASPN)?
The Outpatient Nursing Services at Home are provided to patients for whom a family doctor, in accordance with the procedure approved by the Ministry of Health, establishes the need for such services and issues a referral.
