Spesialisthelsetjenesten

Spesialisthelsetjenesten, or the specialist health service, is the part of the Norwegian health system that provides specialized medical care beyond primary care. It covers somatic and psychiatric health services delivered mainly through hospitals and specialized clinics, including inpatient and outpatient treatment, advanced diagnostics, surgery, cancer care, maternity services, rehabilitation, and long-term follow-up for complex or rare conditions. The aim is to offer high-level expertise and coordinated care for patients who require services beyond general practice.

Organizationally, spesialisthelsetjenesten is administered by the four Regional Health Authorities (Regionale helseforetak, RHF). Each RHF plans, finances and operates hospitals and specialized units within its geographic area, in accordance with national guidelines and standards. The authorities work under the supervision of the Ministry of Health and Care Services, with guidance and oversight provided by the Norwegian Directorate of Health and the national healthcare system. The financing is predominantly public, and in addition to public hospitals, some private providers may be contracted to deliver certain specialized services under public funding.

Access and pathways to care typically involve referrals from general practitioners or other primary care providers. Elective and urgent specialized care is organized through waiting lists and centralized scheduling to promote equitable access. Patients generally have a right to information about their treatment and to participate in decisions about their care, in line with national patient rights legislation.

Challenges and ongoing development focus on reducing waiting times, improving coordination between primary and specialist care, ensuring equitable access for rural populations, and advancing digitalization and quality improvement across the specialist health sector.