The common cold and flu season is officially upon us. If you’re unlucky and catch it, you will likely want to see a doctor, and you may encounter some of the cultural differences listed below during your visit.
General Facts
- Healthcare is free for Czech citizens.
- Many doctors and medical staff speak fairly good English, especially in Prague, and in the facilities recommended to you.
- Medical facilities may look a little worn, but the level of cleanliness and medical care is high.
Doctor’s Appointment
- If you are feeling under the weather, you should make an appointment at one of the recommended facilities during the week (on workdays). Non-emergency facilities are generally not operating during the weekend and you would have to go to the hospital.
- If there are other people waiting in the waiting room, it is polite to say “dobrý den” ask who is the last one, so that you know when is your turn to go. You can ask “Kdo je poslední prosím?”.
- Do not knock on the door of the doctor’s office, there is usually a nurse who comes out periodically and tells patients when to go in.
Bedside Manner
- As you may have already noticed, the behavior of people working in services is generally quite different from other, especially Western countries, this applies to healthcare as well, so do not expect your doctor to be super friendly and warm. Since there are many patients to be treated, medical staff are usually very efficient and do not spare time on going out of their way to be pleasant.
- The doctors are less likely to share information about their proceedings during the check-up and your condition with you than is generally the case for example in the U.S.
- If the doctor needs to listen to your lungs, you will be very likely asked to remove your top. This is a common practice – if you feel uncomfortable with this, tell the doctor.
- Thermometers are usually not inserted into your mouth, but you put them under your armpit and wait for a couple of minutes.
Hospitals
- Hospitals usually do not have a central emergency room, but a reception, where they will refer you to a particular department.
- The waiting times can be quite long.
- Doors of examination rooms are usually closed – do not be afraid to knock, unless there are other people waiting or there is a sign on the door saying “neklepat, vyčkejte příchodu sestry” (do not knock, wait for the nurse to come out)
Medication
- You can get over-the-counter painkillers and medicine for minor issues such as cold or flu.
- Pharmacists in Prague very often speak English, so don’t be afraid to ask them for advice.
For practical tips on getting a doctor’s appointment, go to our Non-emergency Healthcare page or ask any of the staff members.