Global Medical File (GMF)

Principle

A Global Medical File (GMF) is an electronic file which centralises all medical data of a patient. It is done by his General Practitioner (GP). This file can also be done for a child.

The information of these files covers, for instance, vaccinations, allergies, medication, results of blood tests, X-rays, etc.

When a specialist is consulted, please give him/her the details of your GP so as he can send him all relevant information.

Goal

The GMF centralises all medical data allowing to follow-up the health state of your child without losing information received by different doctors. In this way, your GP can avoid repeating the same medical tests and exams and can have a more effective communication with the other practitioners treating your child.

Can I change of General Practitioner (GP) ?

The fact that the GP of your child manages his GMF does not mean that other practitioners can not consult it. If he/she is on leave, you can easily deal with his substitute.

If you want to change your GP because you are relocating, for example, you can entrust your child’s GMF to another GP located closer to your new home. A GMF has a limited lifespan. If you want you can, after one year, give the GMF of the child to another GP. Without certified renewal the validity of the GMF is extended under certain conditions and for a maximum of two years.

How to do it ?

We should ask your GP if he is licensed or accredited to create a GMF for your child. It will cost you 27.50 € 27.76 per year (on 01/01/2010), fully reimbursed by your health care insurer.

When you receive the care certificate, a specific code indicated by the GP is to be used by the insurer so as to deduce the amount your have already paid.

If you consult the substitute of your GP, who has created the GMF, you will not benefit from the reduction unless the substitute enters the letter "G" along with the approval number of the GP managing the GMF.

Validity and Extension

A GMF is valid until December 31st of the second following civil year. For instance, if a GMF has been created on November 25th, 2009; it will be valid until December 31st, 2011.

The GMF’s extension is to be asked each year to the GP. If it has been forgotten, the extension will be automatically done through the administration extension procedure, provided that there have been at least one medical appointment or a visit during the previous year.

Advantages

For regular insured people, consultations of approved GP who opened the GMF are entitled to a reduction of 30% of the co-payments.

For the chronically ill, consultations and approved GP who opened the GMF are entitled to a reduction of 30% of the co-payments.

Remark: The 30% reduction in co-payments will not apply for overnight visits during the weekend, on holidays or for a consultation with a specialist.

http://www.mutsoc.be/Mutsoc/MaSituation/Argent/Mesures-cout-soins/Dmg/0menu.htm