FAQ

FAQ about registration, appointments, portal/spreekuur.nl, econsult/digital questions, (repeat) prescriptions, referrals, regular care providers, medical certificates, costs, creative professions/top sports, travel advice, complaints.

Registration

Are you open for new patients?

We are occasionally (briefly) open for new registrations. Please check our website for updates. Unfortunately, we must maintain a maximum number of patients to ensure we can manage our practice properly. This means we are often only open for new registrations for short periods.

What are the requirements to register as a new patient?

What are the requirements to register as a new patient?
First of all, it depends on whether we are open for new registrations at that time. In addition, we aim to serve residents of the Rivierenbuurt: if you live in postcode area 1078 or 1079, and you are not transferring from another GP in the neighborhood, you are very welcome.

My partner is already a patient at the practice—can I register as well?

Yes, you can. Partners and children of patients are always welcome.Ja, dat kan. Partners en kinderen van patiënten zijn altijd welkom.

How can I register as a new patient?

If you meet the above conditions, you can register by sending an email to pm.rivierenbuurt@ezorg.nl. You can also collect a registration form from the practice (on weekdays between 8–11 a.m. and 2–5 p.m.). In addition to the form, we will need your ID for verification.

Can I make an appointment immediately after registering?

No, this is not possible. To provide the best care, we need information from your previous GP. Once we have received your medical file, you can schedule an appointment. Of course, in case of urgent complaints, you can always contact us immediately.

Appointments

How can I make an appointment?

You can call us between 8–11 a.m. and 2–4 p.m. to schedule an appointment.

I urgently need a doctor—what should I do?

In a life-threatening situation: call 112. For non-life-threatening urgent issues, you can call us. On weekdays, we are available for urgent matters between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. (press 1). In the evenings, nights, and weekends, you can contact the out-of-hours GP service (088-0030600).

Can I book an appointment online?

No, we stopped offering this as of May 1, 2026. Our experience shows that we can best assess the urgency of your complaint, the time needed, whether a physical or telephone consultation is required, and who is best suited to help you when speaking by phone. This allows us to help you quickly and efficiently while keeping our schedule manageable.

Do you have walk-in consultations?

No, we stopped offering walk-in consultations more than 10 years ago. Appointments are by booking only.

I need to cancel my appointment

We appreciate it if you inform us of cancellations. We can use the appointment slot for other patients. Please call us, preferably at least 24 hours in advance.

I’m late for my appointment—can I still be seen?

This depends on how late you are. Please report to the desk. The assistant will consult with the GP or practice nurse to see if it is still possible. Sometimes the appointment may need to be rescheduled if there is no room in the schedule or more urgent consultations are planned. We will always try to find a solution with you.

I have multiple issues—can I discuss them in one consultation?

I have multiple issues—can I discuss them in one consultation?
If you have multiple concerns, one consultation may be too short. Please let us know when scheduling so we can try to allow extra time. In rare cases, we may ask you to schedule separate appointments.

I have a telephone appointment—will I be called at a fixed time?

No. Due to the unpredictable nature of GP care, we can only give an approximate time. We usually indicate morning or afternoon. If there is a specific time you can or cannot be called, please inform the assistant.

I missed the doctor’s call—should I call back?

No. We will try again later. If we cannot reach you, we will leave a message via the portal or voicemail to arrange next steps.

How do I know whether to see the GP, assistant, or practice nurse (POH)?

If unsure, contact us. Many minor complaints can be handled by the assistant (under supervision). You can also visit the assistant for procedures such as smear tests, IUD removal, or treatment of warts or sun damage spots.

How do I make an appointment with the mental health practice nurse (POH-GGZ)?

You must first see the GP. Who will assess whether your issue is suitable for POH-GGZ care or referral to an external provider.

I can’t reach you by phone

You may be calling outside our phone hours (8–11 a.m. and 2–4 p.m.). We need the remaining time for administrative tasks. For urgent issues, press 1; this line is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Portal Spreekuur.nl

How do I register for the portal?

Via the registration button on our website or by downloading the Spreekuur.nl app.

I don’t have a Dutch passport or ID—can I still use the portal?

Yes, you can. You need a DigID to register

I had lab tests but don’t see results in my portal yet—why?

Lab results usually arrive within 1–7 working days, depending on the test. The GP then reviews and interprets them, which may take a few days to a week. Results with interpretation are typically visible within one week.

I asked a question via the portal—how do I know when there is an answer?

You will receive an automatic notification.

eConsult/Digital Questions

Can I send an eConsult?

Yes. Log into the portal or the Spreekuur.nl app, choose “I WANT TO ASK A QUESTION,” and complete the questions (add photos if requested). We aim to respond within 1 working day; in busy periods, it may take up to 3 working days.

What happens after I submit a question?

Each working day, a coordinating GP reviews and answers questions or forwards them to a colleague if needed. You will be notified when there is a response. Sometimes additional questions are asked, or the GP may call you. If a physical consultation is needed, we will contact you.

I sent an eConsult but have not received a reply.

It can take up to 3 working days. Please do not call; we will respond within this timeframe.

Can I also ask a medical question via the email address of the practice?

No, in the context of patient safety we must work GDPR-proof. Our email address is suitable for asking general questions, but not for medically substantive matters. For that you must use the Portal.

Can I ask a digital question about my child?</p> <p>

Yes, that is possible (for children up to 16 years), you need a DigID on their name, see: https://support.spreekuur.nl/hc/nl/articles/12332199636253-Hoe-kan-ik-Spreekuur-nl-gebruiken-voor-mijn-kind

(Repeat) prescriptions

How do I request a repeat prescription?

Via the portal, the Spreekuur.nl app, or by phone (8–11 a.m. and 2–4 p.m.).

Only for chronic medication listed in your portal.

My medication is not on the chronic list

Some medications (e.g., antibiotics, creams, sleep medication) are not repeatable without review. Often a renewed assessment by the GP is necessary; is this medicine still needed? Is it safe? Can it possibly be reduced?

If you want to repeat medication that is not in your chronic list, then call us, or send us a question via your Portal/the Spreekuur.nl app.Contact us for these.

When will my prescription be ready?

We send it to your pharmacy within 1 working day.

Preparation time depends on your pharmacy. Most pharmacies send a message when your medication is ready. This can take several days. Check with your pharmacy for further details.

Can I repeat medication prescribed by a specialist?

Medication prescribed by the specialist must also be repeated by him/her. Please call the outpatient clinic for a repeat prescription.

If the treatment with the specialist has been and transferred to the GP, then you can ask us fort the prescription.

Referrals

I need a referral, can I request it via the Portal?

No, that is not possible. Unless it concerns an issue that you have already discussed earlier with the GP.

I need a referral for my annual appointment with the specialist

In the case of annual checks, a referral is not needed. As long as the treatment has not been concluded, you can simply schedule a new appointment via the outpatient clinic.

Ik heb een I need a referral for an appointment with the specialist, which has already taken place. Is that possible?

No, that is not possible. In the Netherlands the GP is the Gatekeeper and we are expected to refer only when necessary. If you make an appointment yourself, without consulting the GP first, costs are your responsibility.verwijzing nodig voor een afspraak bij de specialist, die al achter de rug is. Kan dat?

The optician/speech therapist/audiologist advises a visit to the specialist, can I get the referral via you?

No, they can refer directly. For more information see verwijsafspraken.nl

Regular care providers?

Do you work with fixed GPs?

Yes, we have a regular team.

Can I register with a specific GP?

No.

However, we try to assign a consistent provider, especially for vulnerable or chronic patients.

Medical certificates

My employer/(sports) school/travel insurance, etc. asks for a statement that I was ill, can you write that for me?

No, we are not allowed to issue such certificates. For further information see the position of the KNMG: https://www.knmg.nl/actueel/dossiers/beroepsgeheim/geneeskundige-verklaring

Costs

Are consultations covered by insurance?

Yes, GP care is fully covered and does not count toward your deductible.

Can I claim costs from pharmacy/hospital/lab through you?

No. We will always try to inform you when costs will be incurred, or when the deductible will be used, but we are not able to keep track of what the costs are for a certain examination or treatment, and also do not always know what your insurance does or does not reimburse. You are responsible for checking coverage with your insurer. In general you can assume that every diagnostic test/referral is only reimbursed once the deductible has been fully used. For questions about medication and costs ask your pharmacy for more information. If you do not want to encounter unexpected surprises, always check with your insurer how it is.

Creative professions / top sports

Do you offer specific guidance and treatment for people in the cultural/creative sector and top athletes?

Yes.

We work with organizations such as ITA and Dutch National Opera & Ballet and have extensive experience with elite athletes.

Reisadvies

Do you offer travel advice?

Yes, for our patients, depending on availability. Please request advice at least 4–6 weeks before departure. Our assistant Joyce de Vries is an experienced travel-advising nurse. Are you a patient in our practice, and are you looking for travel advice, then you can submit a request to Joyce to help you further.

Complaint

I have a complaint

We regret this and would like to hear from you so we can learn and improve. Please check our complaints procedure for further steps.