Choosing a family doctor and health centre
Elegir médico de familia y centro de salud
What it is
In the Community of Madrid you can choose a family doctor, paediatrician and nurse at a health centre at any time and without giving reasons, as many times as you like. To choose, your health card has to be moved to that professional: online, by searching for the centre or the professional and identifying yourself with an electronic DNI or digital certificate, or in person at the administrative unit of the health centre where they work. You must be registered on the padrón in the Community of Madrid. The change may be refused, for example, if the professional exceeds their patient limit. Your assigned family doctor determines your reference hospital. The specialist and hospital are chosen when booking the first appointment after referral.
Official wording
La libertad de elección de médico de Familia, pediatra y profesional de Enfermería en Atención Primaria se ejercerá en cualquier momento y sin necesidad de justificación alguna.Official sources
- Where it applies
- Community of Madrid
Official information
Official sources
When
When you want to choose or change your family doctor, paediatrician or nurse, or your health centre. The change is made on your health card and then you can book with the chosen professional.
Official wording
Para elegir un profesional de un centro de salud debe gestionar el cambio de Tarjeta Sanitaria a ese profesional.Official sources
Steps
Step 1: Online
Go to the official website: Free choice of doctor (Community of Madrid)Search for the health centre or the professional in the free choice service, select them and identify yourself with an electronic DNI or digital certificate. You get an electronic receipt.
Official wording
Se le proporcionará un justificante electrónico con los datos del profesional elegido.
Official sources
Step 2: Or at the health centre
Go to the health centre where the professional works and ask at the administrative unit. You sign the request and get a stamped copy and a new sticker for your health card.
Official wording
se le entregará una copia sellada de la comunicación de la libre elección y una nueva pegatina para su tarjeta sanitaria.
Official sources
FAQ
Is the change immediate?
It gives provisional access to the chosen professional; if there is no notice to the contrary within three months, the assignment becomes permanent.
Official wording
Transcurrido un periodo máximo de tres meses sin que se produzca notificación en contrario, se convertirá en adscripción definitiva al profesional o profesionales elegidos.Official sources
Can I choose the hospital or specialist?
Yes, you choose when booking the specialist appointment: online you see the list of Madrid Health Service centres, and by phone the Appointment Management Centre offers them.
Official wording
La elección de centro-especialista, se realiza en el momento de la cita.Official sources
Related procedures
- Health card Madrid
- Health card (Catalonia) Barcelona
- SIP health card (Valencian Community) Valencia
- Municipal registration (padrón) Madrid
- Municipal registration (Barcelona) Barcelona
- Registering on the padrón in Valencia Valencia
- Personal digital certificate
Terms used on this page
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