What to Expect When Going to the Doctor in Italy

I've already written about getting a tessera sanitaria and how sometimes opting for private healthcare is the way to go, particularly in slower regions like Calabria.

Waiting to see the eye doctor the other day, I realized I could share what the actual experience of going to the doctor in Italy is like. This is, of course, based on my experience in Calabria, so your experience elsewhere in Italy may be different.

There May Not Be a Receptionist

This is true at hospitals and for certain smaller practices: you arrive in a waiting room. You say buongiorno to those waiting. Since there's no receptionist or desk to check in, there may be a machine where you can take a number. If not, you ask chi è l'ultimo (who is the last?). Italians are pretty organized when it comes to waiting in order, even if they're not great at making an actual line to wait!

For appointments at the hospital, I'm always at a loss for what to do. There are seats outside of the office...do I knock? I've learned to just wait a while. If I hear voices inside, I assume the doctor is with a patient. When the door opens, I check in with my name to let them know I'm there.

You May Wait a While

Even if you have an appointment, you'll likely wait a while. I expect to wait an hour, and if it's less, I'm delighted.

The reason there's always a wait is that doctors take their time with patients. They aren't rushing to serve as many as possible. They listen to your questions and work with you to find a solution. I love this.

And some doctors offer open hours where you don't need an appointment. But, again, you're going to wait.

You May (or May Not) Need a Referral

If you're seeing a doctor under the public healthcare system, you'll need what's called an impegnativa, or referral, from your primary physician. With this, you'll pay a discounted rate for the service.

If you go to a private care doctor, you don't need it, and you'll pay more. Though "more" for Americans is still a fraction of what they'd pay in the U.S.!

Bring Your Own Magazine

We're used to pretty waiting rooms with piles of magazines to read at doctor's offices, but here, they're pretty stark. Just rows of chairs. Nothing more.

You Can Actually Text Your Doctor

This always amazes me: you can send your doctor a WhatsApp or email, and they actually respond! I always feel like I'm intruding, but it's common practice.

I'll text my primary physician to ask her for a referral. That way, I don't have to schedule an appointment and wait just to get it. And when I have test results, I text them to her.

Your Doctor Will Check You Out

This isn't always the case, but with a gastroenterologist, primary care doctor, and optometrist, the doctor swiped my card and gave me a receipt at the end of the appointment! Many don't even have nurses.

Going to the doctor seems like a straightforward thing, but with these key differences, going to the doctor in Italy can be a little disconcerting at first. I hope this post helps!