The key to settling into your new home abroad is tying down a medical professional you can trust. Here is how to find a doctor who speaks your mother tongue wherever you are in Belgium.
Over 10,000 health professionals are available via Doctena, a website and mobile application that aims to improve communication between doctors and patients. The project began in Luxembourg in 2013 and has been operating in Belgium since 2016. Any patient can use the service free of charge.
The process is fuss-free. Download the app or visit the website and input what kind of doctor you would like (General Practitioner, Opthalmologist, etc.), specify your location and select your desired language.
Screenshot of Doctena website.
Press 'Find' and options matching your search will appear along with available time slots. From there, fill in the required details and book an appointment. It does not matter whether you are a new or returning patient.
Easy cancellation
At this stage, you will have been asked to create an account with Doctena. All data remains encrypted, according to the website. Your account allows you to view appointment details and receive a booking confirmation. If you have provided a phone number you will also receive a text message before your slot.
Some practitioners review a booking request before confirmation but this should not take longer than one day. You will still receive a notification once approved.
Credit: Unsplash
If you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment, this is again straightforward via your account. If there is a deadline and you have missed it, you will have to call the doctor directly.
Doctena says cancellations are "rare" on the other side. If this occurs, the company will send you an email and the medical practice will call you.
It is possible to book an appointment for someone else and anyone's details can be entered when making the appointment.
