NFZ Specialist Access: 2026 Guidelines for Direct Consultations

Starting in 2026, patients can access select medical specialists within the National Health Fund (NFZ) system directly without obtaining a prior referral from a primary care physician.

End of the Referral Bottleneck

Visiting a family doctor solely to obtain a referral for a specialist will no longer be necessary in 2026. The National Health Fund has streamlined access, allowing patients to book appointments with specific medical professionals directly.

This change significantly reduces the diagnostic timeline, enabling patients to initiate treatment immediately rather than waiting for an appointment at a local clinic.

Specialists Available Without Referral

The list of medical professionals who accept patients without a referral remains consistent, focusing on critical health areas. This includes gynecologists and obstetricians for routine checks and pregnancy care, psychiatrists for mental health diagnosis and treatment, and oncologists for rapid diagnostics.

Additionally, dentists and venereologists are accessible under the NFZ without a primary care referral, ensuring full coverage for these specific services.

Exemptions and System Requirements

Certain patient groups retain special privileges that allow them to consult any specialist within the NFZ network without a referral. However, the system still mandates referrals from a primary care physician for most other specialties.

Patients must still secure a formal referral to see cardiologists, neurologists, dermatologists, and ophthalmologists, as these fields remain outside the direct-access policy.