Accessing a Doctor on the Orihuela Costa.
Getting to see the Doctor
If you live here on the Orihuela Costa then the main way to be allocated, or see a Doctor is via the Centro Salud in Cabo Roig
Getting registered with a Clinic (Centro Salud) is pretty straight forward, if you have your Padron, Residencia, Social Security Number or EHIC card, or if you are already registered, your S.I.P. card, along with your all-essential PHOTOGRAPHIC I.D..
It all seems pretty sacry at the first visit, masses of paperwork to take, a strange language and the fear of the unknown, may result in some of us actually needing to see a Doctor in the first place.
But, once this process has taken place and if you meet the criteria, then you will be issued with your SIP card (if you apply to the crirteria) or be given an appointment.
Your SIP card is your passport to your Doctor. DO NOT LOSE IT...Always bring photographic I.D. and your SIP or EHIC or E-112 each visit
Getting registered with a Clinic (Centro Salud) is pretty straight forward, if you have your Padron, Residencia, Social Security Number or EHIC card, or if you are already registered, your S.I.P. card, along with your all-essential PHOTOGRAPHIC I.D..
It all seems pretty sacry at the first visit, masses of paperwork to take, a strange language and the fear of the unknown, may result in some of us actually needing to see a Doctor in the first place.
But, once this process has taken place and if you meet the criteria, then you will be issued with your SIP card (if you apply to the crirteria) or be given an appointment.
Your SIP card is your passport to your Doctor. DO NOT LOSE IT...Always bring photographic I.D. and your SIP or EHIC or E-112 each visit
The Centro Salud - Cabo Roig. Getting a Doctor's appointment
Certainally in our experience, the satff at the 'Salud' have always been exceptionally efficient (if not always the happiest of bunnies) and cards and the change ffrom the temporary card to the permanent have gone without a hitch, but not everyones experience will be the same.
When you arrive, go to admisión and either apply to register (making sure that you have ALL the necessary paperwork), oir ask for an appointment.
Your SIP card (if you have one) will have the name of your Doctor on the back.
Very efficient and easy to understand.
If you are seeing the Nurse for Bloodwork etc, then when you return, wait to the right. The appropriate Nurse will call out names for them to see.
If you have any problems, ask at the desk. Some of the staff speak English, but at least try to converse in Spanish, or if you can, bring a translator along. This saves any confusion & frustration.
Many of them are either English or speak English.
If you do not have insurance, or if you have medical insurance that does not cover particuar areas, it is always best to find out the costs before you go ahead with a course of treatment. Always check your medical insurance policy, as many insurance policies do not cover everything.
As well as potentially being ill, you may not have the funds to cover the treatments and a nasty surprise may render you even sicker.
Saying that, most Private Clinics are fairly well prices, but always check.
When you arrive, go to admisión and either apply to register (making sure that you have ALL the necessary paperwork), oir ask for an appointment.
Your SIP card (if you have one) will have the name of your Doctor on the back.
At the Doctor's Appointment
If you are given an appointment slip, on your return for your appoinment with the Doctor, look at the wall to your left as you face the desk..It will have a list of the Doctors names and which consultation room they are in and your name will be on a list on the consulting room door.Very efficient and easy to understand.
If you are seeing the Nurse for Bloodwork etc, then when you return, wait to the right. The appropriate Nurse will call out names for them to see.
If you have any problems, ask at the desk. Some of the staff speak English, but at least try to converse in Spanish, or if you can, bring a translator along. This saves any confusion & frustration.
Seeing a Private Doctor.
If you do not meet the criteria for Spanish NHS, or if you have Private Medical Insurance, then you can access one of the many Private Clinics available throughout the region.Many of them are either English or speak English.
If you do not have insurance, or if you have medical insurance that does not cover particuar areas, it is always best to find out the costs before you go ahead with a course of treatment. Always check your medical insurance policy, as many insurance policies do not cover everything.
As well as potentially being ill, you may not have the funds to cover the treatments and a nasty surprise may render you even sicker.
Saying that, most Private Clinics are fairly well prices, but always check.
