PRIORITY PATIENT

In all healthcare institutions, including our polyclinic, there are priority patient groups determined by the Turkish Ministry of Health's Circular on "Priority Order in Polyclinic Services". This circular provides priority for children, elderly, and disabled patients in examination and treatment services.

PRIORITY PATIENT GROUPS

  • According to the Ministry of Health's circular, excluding emergency cases, the main groups who should be prioritized in polyclinic services without disrupting general services are:
    • Emergency Cases: Situations such as sudden illness, accident, injury, or any condition deemed by the physician to require urgent medical intervention. (Absolute priority)
    • Disabled Patients: Patients with a disability report of 40% or higher.
    • Elderly: Patients aged 65 and above.
    • Children: Children under seven years old.
    • Pregnant Women.
    • Widows, Orphans, Disabled Veterans, and Veterans of Military Service and their families.
    • Children under Protective and Supportive Measures (under Law No. 5395 on Child Protection).
    • Women with Protective Measures or Receiving Services from Women's Shelters and accompanying children (under Law No. 6284 on the Protection of the Family and Prevention of Violence Against Women).
    • Judges and Public Prosecutors.
  • Importance in Dentistry:
    • Disabled patients: We aim to reduce waiting times for these groups in both scheduled and unscheduled services.
    • Children: Important to prevent dental phobia and help them focus on treatment quickly.
    • Elderly and Disabled: Given mobility limitations, chronic conditions, and difficulties that may arise from long waiting periods, priority is provided.

Note: The priority right applies to general polyclinic services and may vary depending on appointment system congestion or clinic operations. In any case, patients may need to present identification or relevant documents (e.g., disability report) to exercise this right.

RIGHT TO CHOOSE AND CHANGE PHYSICIAN

  • The right to choose a physician is one of the fundamental patient rights guaranteed by the Patient Rights Regulation and related circulars of the Ministry of Health in Turkey.
  • According to the Patient Rights Regulation, patients have the right to freely choose the staff providing healthcare (including doctors or dentists) and to change the physician conducting their treatment.
  • This right strengthens the trust element, which is the foundation of the patient-physician relationship.

Scope of Implementation:

  • The Ministry of Health has requested that ADSM clinics (Oral and Dental Health Centers) and Dental Hospitals allow patients to choose their physician without disrupting the workflow of the institution or clinic.

Limitations and Conditions:

  • Procedures and Rules: The right to choose a physician must comply with the institution's rules and regulations. Appointment systems, physician schedules, and workload should not be disrupted.
  • Fee Difference: If exercising the right to choose a physician results in a fee difference according to regulations (e.g., for certain special services or different physician rates), the patient must cover this difference.
  • Specialty Area: The patient may choose among physicians within the relevant specialty. For example, a patient requiring orthodontic treatment may only choose among orthodontic specialists.

HOW TO USE?

  • From the moment the patient arrives at the clinic, they may naturally choose which dentist will provide their treatment.
  • In summary: Every patient visiting a dental clinic has the right to freely choose and change their dentist. This right must be exercised in accordance with the clinic's operational rules and legal regulations.