When you're heading to your pierwsza wizyta, pierwszy kontakt z lekarzem, który zaczyna proces diagnostyki i opieki. Also known as wizyta początkowa, it's often the most important step in getting proper care — whether you're seeing a family doctor, a specialist, or someone who comes to your home. Many people feel nervous before their first visit, but it doesn't have to be that way. You don’t need to be an expert. You just need to know what to expect.
Most first visits in Poland are with a lekarz rodzinny, lekarz, który prowadzi opiekę zdrowotną na poziomie podstawowym i kieruje do specjalistów. They’re your main point of contact for everything from colds to chronic conditions. If you're elderly, have mobility issues, or care for a young child, you might choose a wizyta domowa, usługa, przy której lekarz przyjeżdża do domu, a nie czeka na pacjenta w gabinecie. This isn’t a luxury — it’s a right if you can’t get to the clinic. NFZ covers these visits when medically justified, and you don’t pay extra.
But what if your problem needs more than a family doctor? That’s when you move to a specjalista medyczny, lekarz z dodatkową kwalifikacją w określonej dziedzinie, np. neurolog, dermatolog, psychiatra. You usually need a referral from your family doctor, but not always — especially if you’re paying privately. Many specialists now offer home visits too, especially for seniors or people with neurological or mental health issues. The key is knowing when to ask for one.
You don’t need to memorize medical terms. But do write down: when symptoms started, how often they happen, what makes them better or worse, and any medications you’re taking — even over-the-counter ones. If you’re going to a specialist, bring any test results or previous diagnoses. If you’re getting a home visit, make sure the space is clean and quiet, and have someone nearby if you need help explaining things.
Don’t assume your doctor knows your full history. Many people don’t realize that even if you’ve had a test done elsewhere, your doctor might not see it unless you tell them. If you’ve used private services, NFZ doesn’t automatically know — so you’re the only one who can connect the dots.
And if you’re unsure whether you need a specialist or just a family doctor? Ask. There’s no shame in saying, "I don’t know what’s wrong, but it’s not getting better." That’s exactly why they’re there. The best doctors don’t judge — they listen. And if you’re still stuck, a home visit might be the easiest way to get started.
Below you’ll find real stories and practical guides from people who’ve been there — whether they called a doctor to their home in Warsaw, waited weeks for a specialist, or finally got the right diagnosis after months of confusion. These aren’t theoretical tips. These are what actually works when you’re standing in front of a new doctor, unsure what to say next.
Psychiatra podczas pierwszej wizyty nie szuka tylko objawów - obserwuje ruchy, ton głosu, pauzy i sposób mówienia. To, co nie jest powiedziane, często mówi więcej niż słowa. Dowiedz się, na co zwraca uwagę specjalista i jak się przygotować.