Háziorvosi

Háziorvosi refers to the general practice and family medicine system in Hungary. It describes the clinicians, clinics, and care model that provide continuous, comprehensive primary medical care to individuals and families as the first point of contact with the health system.

General practitioners in this system handle a wide range of health needs. They diagnose and treat common illnesses, manage chronic diseases, and perform preventive services such as routine checkups and vaccinations. They provide health counseling, coordinate referrals to specialists when necessary, and maintain long-term patient relationships to support continuity of care across life stages. They may also perform home visits when appropriate.

Care is typically delivered in háziorvosi rendelőben (GP clinics). Practices can be solo or group-based and are usually supported by nurses and administrative staff. After-hours care is organized through háziorvosi ügyelet to ensure access outside regular hours.

Training and regulation: physicians complete a medical degree and then specialize in general practice/family medicine. Ongoing professional development and licensing are governed by national medical bodies, with emphasis on maintaining up-to-date knowledge and skills.

Role in the health system: háziorvosi care acts as the gateway to secondary care, issuing prescriptions, providing referrals, and participating in preventive health programs such as vaccination campaigns and routine screenings. Patient records and prescriptions are integrated into the national health information system, enabling electronic records and e-prescriptions while protecting privacy.