Settling in France involves understanding certain medical terms specific to the French healthcare system. Whether you're going to the doctor, the pharmacy, or the hospital, these words come up regularly, and knowing them better will help you manage your healthcare stress-free.
French medical vocabulary to know
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Médecin traitant (Referring doctor)
This is the doctor you choose to follow your health on a daily basis. Declaring a referring doctor to the Social Security allows for better reimbursement of your consultations and prescriptions.
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Tiers payant (Third-party payment)
A procedure that allows you to avoid paying all or part of the medical costs upfront. Social Security and your mutual insurance company pay the doctor or pharmacy directly, depending on the type of care and your contract.
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Ordonnance (Prescription)
A document prescribed by a doctor to obtain treatment or an examination. It is mandatory for certain prescriptions or medications.
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Feuille de soins (Healthcare form)
Used before having a Carte Vitale to request reimbursement from Social Security. It contains information about the patient, the doctor, and the consultation.
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Carte Vitale (Vital Card)
A personal card that facilitates automatic reimbursement for consultations and medications. It must be presented to the doctor and at the pharmacy.
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Mutuelle / Complémentaire santé (Mutual insurance / Supplementary health insurance)
Private insurance that supplements Social Security reimbursement by covering expenses not covered.
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CPAM (Caisse Primaire d’Assurance Maladie - Primary Health Insurance Fund)
The local Social Security body that manages your health coverage and reimbursements.
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Pharmacien / Pharmacie (Pharmacist / Pharmacy)
A health professional who dispenses prescribed medications and can advise on over-the-counter treatments.
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Consultation spécialisée / Spécialiste (Specialized consultation / Specialist)
A doctor with a specific specialization (dermatologist, cardiologist, pediatrician, etc.). Some specialties require a referral from the referring doctor for optimal reimbursement.
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Déclaration du médecin traitant (Declaration of referring doctor)
An essential formality to benefit from the best reimbursements and the coordinated care pathway.
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Examen complémentaire (Additional examination)
X-ray, MRI, blood test, etc. Generally prescribed by a doctor and partially reimbursed by Social Security, then supplemented by mutual insurance.
Sofime advice
Understanding this vocabulary will help you feel more comfortable during your medical appointments and better manage your reimbursements.
