by Yvonne Van Balkom | Jan 14, 2025 | What is different?
You have been told by your doctor that he is not allowed to issue a “medical certificate” (also called a doctor’s certificate). That’s right. In doing so, your family doctor acted according to the rules set forth by the KNMG, the professional...
by Yvonne Van Balkom | Jan 14, 2025 | What is different?
At Fonkelzorg International, we think it’s important that you get the best care available! We’d like to explain why we don’t just prescribe a course of antibiotics. Antibiotics are drugs that can treat bacteria. They can kill the bacteria, or inhibit...
by Yvonne Van Balkom | Dec 11, 2024 | What is different?
The Dutch are known for their directness, and this can sometimes come across as rude or confrontational, especially to people from cultures where communication is often more subtle. This also applies to doctors in the Netherlands. Your doctor may be...
by Yvonne Van Balkom | Dec 11, 2024 | What is different?
In the Netherlands, pregnancy and childbirth is often considered a natural event that usually does not involve medical intervention. Women can choose to give birth at home under the supervision of an obstetrician. This is an important difference from the...
by Yvonne Van Balkom | Dec 11, 2024 | What is different?
After a visit to the family doctor, you may not receive medication even if you have been given a diagnosis. This may feel strange if you are used to doctors always prescribing something. In the Netherlands, however, it is often customary to recommend rest and...
by Yvonne Van Balkom | Dec 11, 2024 | What is different?
In the Netherlands, it is not possible to see a medical specialist directly without a referral from your general practitioner. This can be an important difference from other healthcare systems, where you can often see a specialist without the intervention of a...
