fastlegeordningen

Fastlegeordningen, or the scheme for general practitioners in Norway, is a key component of the Norwegian primary health care system. Under the arrangement, everyone who is eligible for health services is assigned a regular general practitioner, the fastlege, who acts as the patient’s first point of contact and coordinator for ongoing care. Each patient registers with a GP practice in their municipality or region; GPs operate under contracts with the municipalities, financed through the national insurance and public subsidies.

The fastlege is responsible for preventive care, routine medical treatment, management of chronic conditions, and referrals to specialist care when needed. Patients can contact their fastlege for non-emergency health issues, book appointments, and obtain advice on treatment plans. The system aims to provide continuous, coordinated care and to maintain personal medical records under one GP as far as possible. If a patient wishes to change their fastlege, they can apply to switch under the rules set by the health authorities, typically at set intervals or during defined change windows. People who move may retain or transfer their fastlege depending on location and capacity of available practitioners.

Cost and access: visits to the fastlege typically involve user charges, with subsidies and caps in place to ensure affordable care. The scheme is overseen by national and municipal health authorities, with the Directorate for Health and the municipalities sharing responsibilities for registration, appointment scheduling, and maintaining GP lists.

The fastlegeordningen has played a central role in Norwegian primary care since its expansion in the early 2000s, though it continues to adapt to reforms in patient choice, access, and funding.