• You don't always need a doctor: Many minor complaints can be solved by one's own action or they disappear by themselves. Examples include colds, dizziness, headaches or skin redness after insect bites.
• On average, 90% of health problems can be solved by yourself without doctor.
• If you are unsure: The health advice call centre 1450 is available around the clock for free and will answer any questions you may have.
  
  

... help with any questions or uncertainty

• Available around the clock
• Help and tips for self-help for minor ailments
• Orientation: To the family doctor, to the medical specialist, to the hospital?
• networked with the medical emergency service 141 and emergency call 144 (rescue)
• Specially trained nurses advise you competently and free of charge.
• More information: www.1450.at
  

…or primary care

• The family doctor is your first point of contact for 
• acute diseases where medical treatment is necessary (e.g. for infections, skin rashes)
• Long-term health problems (e.g. as back pain, bronchitis)
• chronic diseases (e.g. diabetes)

Please contact your family doctor in his medical practice!

• Outside the opening times in the evening and on weekends, you can reach the medical emergency service at tel. 141. 
• If you are not sure whether you need a doctor or not, ask the health advice call centre at tel. 1450 which is available around the clock. 
  

... in the medical practice or in the hospital outpatient department with appointment

• Your family doctor can assess very well if you need a medical specialist. If needed, he will refer you to the right place.
• Certain medical specialists can be visited without a doctor's referral: This is especially true for gynaecology (gynaecology and obstetrics), for paediatricians and ophthalmologists.
• Whether the medical specialist practice or the hospital outpatient department is the right place for you depends on the specific case. Your family doctor knows. 
• For the hospital outpatient department, you always need a doctor's referral.
  
  

Fortunately, inpatient admission to the hospital is rarely necessary, e.g. in case of severe illness or surgery.

• Rescue can be reached at tel. 144. Dial the number only in case of accidents and emergencies!
• The emergency outpatient department at the hospital is available primarily for emergencies and accidents around the clock.