Patient information and language of treatment


I am going to another country for treatment. What patient information does the treatment provider need?

Ask the treatment provider directly in advance what kind of patient information they need, and provide them with it. Also, find out whether you need a referral for the treatment and whether a referral written in Finland will be accepted. If you need to translate patient documents, you will be responsible for the translation costs yourself.

If I receive treatment abroad, will the treatment information be available in the patient register in Finland? For example, can I view the information in My Kanta?

Patient information does not automatically move between countries. Ask the treatment provider for information about the treatment you have received and submit it for registration in the healthcare system in Finland. Ask your health centre where you can submit your patient documents. If you need to translate patient documents, you will be responsible for the translation costs yourself.

I was treated in a hospital in another EU country. I need the patient documents in Finland; how can I get them?

Contact the hospital or place of treatment where you were treated. Patient information does not automatically move between countries. Data protection also often prevents the transfer of patient information between hospitals in different countries.

I am coming to Finland for treatment. How does the treatment provider get my patient records?

Patient information does not automatically move between countries. You yourself must ensure that the necessary documents are received. After the end of treatment in Finland, remember to request the documents concerning your treatment with you as a printout. If you need to translate patient documents, you will be responsible for the translation costs yourself.

Do I need to have the patient documents translated into the language of the country where the treatment is provided?

Find out the language in which they need your patient information from the place of treatment. If you need to translate patient documents, you will be responsible for the translation costs yourself.

In what language will I receive treatment if I go to another EU country for treatment?

Check with your treatment provider in advance if you can receive treatment in a language you understand. Countries are obliged to provide treatment in their official languages (Finnish and Swedish in Finland), but you can ask if the treatment personnel can speak another language with you.