Find Out What Free Examinations Are Available at a Family Doctor
A family doctor is your primary medical assistant. They help monitor your health, detect diseases in time, and prevent serious problems. By signing a declaration with a doctor, you gain the right to free medical services.
What Services are Free at a Family Doctor?
Your family doctor can:
- Conduct medical examinations.
- Prescribe tests and diagnostics: complete blood count, cholesterol and glucose level blood test, general urine test, rapid tests for pregnancy, troponin, HIV, viral hepatitis B and C.
- Perform instrumental examinations: electrocardiography, peak flowmetry, otoscopy, ophthalmoscopy, tuning fork tests, and visual acuity measurement.
- Treat common diseases, injuries, and poisonings.
- Monitor chronic diseases and adjust treatment.
- Provide emergency care.
- Refer to specialists if necessary.
- Administer vaccinations and other preventive procedures.
- Manage uncomplicated pregnancies.
- Monitor children’s health.
- Prescribe medications, including under the ‘Available Medicines’ program.
- Issue certificates.
What Examinations Are Guaranteed by Age?
In addition to basic services, a family doctor directs free preventive examinations:
- Hypertension (from age 40) — every 2 years, with risk factors (smoking, overweight) — annually.
- Diabetes (from age 45) — once a year.
- Breast cancer (women aged 50–69) — mammography every 2 years, with risk factors — from age 40.
- Colorectal cancer (ages 50–75) — examination every 2 years, with risk factors — annually.
- Prostate cancer (men 50+) — every 2 years; with hereditary factors — annually from ages 40–45.
- Tuberculosis (for risk groups) — annually.
If your doctor recommends screening — do not postpone.
Why is it Important to Visit a Doctor Annually?
Even if you have no complaints, a preventive examination helps detect hidden health threats.
- Update your information with the doctor (phone, address) to stay in contact.
- Follow the vaccination schedule: adults should be vaccinated against diphtheria and tetanus every 10 years.
- Take time for yourself — regular health checks can prevent the development of chronic diseases.
Your doctor is always nearby, but the best way to take care of yourself is not to ignore prevention!