Perearstikeskus

Perearstikeskus is the Estonian term for a primary health care facility focused on family medicine. Such centers provide the first point of contact in the health system and offer medical advice, preventive care, and ongoing management of health concerns.

In Estonia, most residents are registered with a perearst at a Perearstikeskus and receive primary care through the Estonian Health Insurance Fund (Haigekassa). The center coordinates care, manages chronic conditions, and refers patients to specialists when needed.

Typical services include routine check-ups, vaccinations, child health visits, management of chronic diseases, acute illness assessment, basic laboratory tests, minor procedures, maternity and family planning services, and mental health support.

Organization and staffing vary, but most centers employ one or more family physicians (perearstid), nurses, and administrative staff. Care is usually delivered through appointments, with some walk-in or after-hours services arranged via on-call centers.

Digital health tools are common, with use of electronic medical records and online appointment booking or patient portals that enable access to medical history and prescribed medications.

The term may also denote a specific clinic named Perearstikeskus in a town, but generally it refers to a primary care facility focused on family medicine rather than hospital care.