Perusterveydenhuolto

Perusterveydenhuolto, or primary health care, is the first point of contact in the Finnish health system and forms the foundation of ongoing care beyond acute emergencies. It covers general medical care, preventive services and the management of chronic conditions, with an emphasis on continuous patient–provider relationships and health promotion.

In practice, perusterveydenhuolto is delivered mainly by municipalities through health centers (terveysasemat) and school health services. Multidisciplinary teams may include general practitioners, nurses, public health nurses, physiotherapists, psychologists and social workers. Services typically include primary medical care, maternity and child health clinics, preventive vaccinations, chronic disease follow-up, rehabilitation support and home visits. Dental services are available as part of preventive and public health care for children and adolescents, with adults often using private or municipal services as appropriate.

Access and care pathways are organized so that patients register with their local health center. The primary level usually acts as the gatekeeper to specialized services, and most specialist care requires a referral. Services are increasingly supported by telemedicine, telephone triage and e-services, and home visits are emphasized for elderly or disabled populations.

Funding and administration rely mainly on municipalities, supported by state subsidies. Patients pay modest fees per visit, with annual caps and exemptions for children, students and low-income individuals. Private providers may deliver primary care under public reimbursement schemes. Digital tools, including electronic health records and e-prescriptions linked through national health data systems, support service delivery and patient access.

Reforms to reorganize health and social services into well-being counties have influenced the architecture of perusterveydenhuolto, aiming to improve access and integration, while regional variations and waiting times remain ongoing challenges. The system emphasizes universal access, equity and preventive care.