Finding Doctors and Specialists in Paris

Finding Doctors and Specialists in Paris: A Guide for Expats

Moving to Paris was a dream come true for Sarah, an art curator from the United States. But when a recurring knee issue began bothering her shortly after she arrived, the reality of finding a specialist in a foreign country quickly set in. Without a network of friends or colleagues to guide her, Sarah felt overwhelmed. Should she start with a general practitioner? Could she go directly to a specialist? And, most importantly, would the doctor speak English? Unsure where to turn, Sarah stopped by her local pharmacy to ask for advice. To her surprise, the pharmacist was incredibly helpful. Not only did they recommend a nearby orthopaedic specialist, but they also called ahead to confirm availability. “That pharmacist saved me so much time and stress,” Sarah recalls. “I realized how valuable local pharmacies are when you don’t know where to start.”

Sarah’s experience highlights a key resource that many expats overlook: pharmacists. Along with digital platforms and expat-friendly communities, they can be your best allies in navigating healthcare in Paris. Let’s explore how to find the right doctors and specialists for your needs.

Step 1: Start with a General Practitioner (GP)

In France, the healthcare system is designed around general practitioners (médecins généralistes), who act as gatekeepers to specialists. Here’s why starting with a GP is often the best approach:

Referrals for Specialists: Many specialists require a referral from a GP for you to get the best reimbursement rate through the French healthcare system.
Holistic Care: A GP can assess your overall health, recommend the right specialist, and even coordinate your care if you have multiple medical needs.
Building a Relationship: Having a regular GP ensures continuity of care, which is especially valuable for expats adjusting to a new system.
Tip: Use platforms like Ameli.fr or ask for recommendations from other expats to find a GP who speaks English.

Step 2: Use Digital Platforms to Search for Specialists

Once you have a referral (or if your issue doesn’t require one), digital tools can help you find the right specialist.
1. Ameli.fr

What it offers: The official directory of healthcare providers in France, including GPs and specialists.
Why it’s useful: You can filter by location, speciality, and whether the doctor is conventionné (affiliated with the public health system).

2. Expat-Friendly Platforms

Examples: Angloinfo, International SOS, or Facebook groups like “Expats in Paris.”
Why they’re helpful: These platforms often include English-speaking doctors and personal
recommendations from other expats.

3. Hospital Directories

Many hospitals, like the American Hospital of Paris, have English-speaking specialists on staff.
Why they’re great: They cater to international patients and often provide streamlined services for expats.

Step 3: Don’t Overlook Local Pharmacies

As Sarah discovered, local pharmacies are more than just places to fill prescriptions – they’re community hubs for healthcare advice. Pharmacists in France are highly trained and can:

Recommend nearby doctors or specialists.
Provide over-the-counter treatments for minor ailments.
Help you understand prescriptions and guide you on how to take your medication.
Tip: Many pharmacists in Paris speak basic English, making them an excellent resource for expats unsure of where to begin.
Find your local doctor here: https://www.doctolib.fr/

Step 4: Explore Teleconsultation Options

If finding an in-person specialist proves challenging, teleconsultation platforms like Qare and Livi can connect you with licensed professionals quickly.

When to use teleconsultations: For minor issues, follow-ups, or when you can’t find an appointment nearby.
Why it’s helpful: Many platforms offer services in English and provide prescriptions that can be filled at your local pharmacy.

Key Tips for Expats Navigating Healthcare in Paris

1. Be Prepared for Payments
2. Even with a Carte Vitale, many appointments require upfront payments. Keep a receipt for reimbursement through public or private insurance.
3. Bring Your Documents
4. Always have your ID, Carte Vitale, and any private insurance details with you when visiting a doctor.
5. Ask for English-Speaking Providers
6. Don’t hesitate to confirm language preferences when booking an appointment, whether in person or online.
7. Network with Other Expats
8. Communities like Facebook groups or Meetup events can provide invaluable recommendations for trusted healthcare providers.
9. Plan for Emergencies
10. Save the contact details for emergency services and nearby hospitals that cater to international patients, like the American Hospital of Paris.

Sarah’s journey is a reminder that finding doctors and specialists in Paris doesn’t have to be a stressful experience. With resources like local pharmacists, digital platforms, and expat-friendly communities, you have plenty of tools to help you navigate the system and find the care you need.

Whether you’re new to the city or simply trying to adjust to the French way of doing things, these tips and tools will ensure you feel supported and confident in managing your health in Paris.

Check out more of our blogs here:

https://absolutely-french.eu/expat-excellence-5-best-websites-for-expats-living-abroad-%f0%9f%8c%8f/

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Finding Doctors and Specialists in Paris