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General Health Issue I live near Burgas

Kath948381

Well I'm registered for Bulgarian health care but haven't found or needed a doctor but I did get treated in the UK in the 1990s for skin cancer and was given the all clear a good few years after.  Now I've got a mole type thingy on my head and because of its location I haven't actually seen it but my youngest looked at it yesterday and said that I should have it removed and have it tested and that I'd need a couple of stitches.  So can I take a copy of my issued Bulgarian health care certificate to one of Burgas s private health centres to get it looked at and treated?

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gwynj

@Kath948381


To navigate the health system, it's highly recommended to find yourself a GP, register with them, and then get them to direct you to the appropriate specialist (and give you the referral document that keeps the cost down). You should do this anyway, independent of this specific issue.


For a quick response to a skin problem I would, personally, go to my nearest private hospital/clinic, and get a consultation with their dermatologist. I doubt that the full private cost would more than 100-150 leva. Similarly, if it's something minor that they can address quickly and easily (freeze/cut it off/couple of stitches) that might also be in the 200-400 leva ballpark. If you're worried, and want to know today, that's the way to go. You should show them your certificate, and it might reduce the cost of of the operation, maybe even the consult... but be prepared to pay full private price.


Using your certificate, you register with a GP (free), you go to him for a consult (5-10 leva). Then he'll refer you to the dermatologist (another 5-10 leva consult), and they'll decide if you need a scan/biopsy/surgery (each will cheap, maybe 10-50 leva).


I've never had skin cancer, but I've lived in many hot, sunny countries with lots of sun exposure. I go to my dermatologist every couple of years for a full-body inspection, it takes about 20 minutes. Mine (Medline) charges 120 leva (full private). If you've had skin cancer before, this might be something to consider going forward, given that it's so easy/cheap.

JimJ

I went to one of the best dermatologists in the country last year to get a couple of "dodgy moles" checked out (too many years living in the tropics): IIRC it cost about 75 leva for a private consultation.


Cancer treatment, if needed, is free in BG, but if it needs ongoing treatment, it's usually subject to a "Commission" (ie a panel of experts who determine what short- and long-term action treatment is required).


Have you got a GP?  If not, now's the time to get that organised: be careful in your choice, if you don't like who you've picked, you can only change during June or December.  The GP will send you to a specialist - there's usually no silly waiting times for appointments like there are in Blighty nowadays..

Kath948381

Thank you to you both for your informed replys