Erikoissairaanhoidon

Erikoissairaanhoito, or specialized medical care, is the segment of the Finnish health system that provides hospital-based and other advanced medical services beyond the scope of primary health care. It includes inpatient hospital care, specialized outpatient clinics, high‑level diagnostic procedures, and treatments such as cancer care, cardiac care, neurology, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, surgery, anesthesia, and intensive care.

Erikoissairaanhoito is organized mainly by hospital districts (sairaanhoitopiirit). Municipalities are members of a hospital district and rely on it to plan, organize, and fund the specialized care for their residents. The vast majority of services are publicly provided in hospitals, while some private providers operate under contract to hospital districts.

Access to erikoissairaanhoito generally follows referral from primary health care; emergency cases are routed through hospital emergency departments. Financing is predominantly public: municipalities and hospital districts fund the services, with state subsidies and Kela reimbursements contributing as well. Patients may pay small copayments, but there are maximum limits and waivers according to national arrangements.

Policy aims include ensuring equal access across regions, reducing waiting times, and integrating services with primary care. Reforms have focused on regional cooperation, capacity planning, and digital health to improve efficiency and coordination between primary and specialized care.