I cannot find a family doctor who takes new patients — who helps?
GP shortages are real in most of Europe, but you are entitled to primary care, and someone is responsible for finding it. Start with CPAM (Assurance Maladie) — 3646 (3646) — your health insurer or the public health service — which keeps the list of practices accepting patients and in many countries must assign you one if you cannot find one. Défenseur des droits — pôle santé (09 69 39 00 00) is the official practice finder and advice line. If nothing works, Mairie — police municipale / services techniques (service-public.fr) has a duty to ensure care in the area and can intervene.
🗣️ What to say
"I live at [address] and have been unable to register with a family doctor: [practices] have refused because they are full. I ask you to assign me a practice or to tell me which practices in my area are obliged to accept me."
🪜 Step by step
- Use the official finderDéfenseur des droits — pôle santé lists practices with open lists; call in the morning, ask to be put on the waiting list.
- Ask the insurer: CPAM (Assurance Maladie) — 3646Many insurers must find you a doctor within a set distance or time; put the request in writing.
- Urgent care meanwhileOut-of-hours services and walk-in clinics do not require registration; pharmacies handle minor issues.
- Municipality: Mairie — police municipale / services techniquesLocal authorities that fund practices can lean on them; a written request often works.
- Register the day a spot opensBring ID, insurance card and, if you have it, your previous records.
📇 All contacts
❓ Frequently asked
I am new to the country and not yet insured
Emergency care is always given. Register with the insurer first — the insurance card is what practices ask for.
Can a practice refuse me?
Only for capacity reasons, not because of your condition or origin. A refusal for another reason is a complaint to Mairie — police municipale / services techniques or the equality body.
Can I see a specialist without a GP?
In most countries a referral is needed for reimbursement; the insurer explains the exceptions (eye, dental, gynaecology).
📎 Sources
- CPAM (Assurance Maladie) — 3646 →
- Défenseur des droits — pôle santé →
- Mairie — police municipale / services techniques →
- Point-justice / aide juridictionnelle →
🔎 Common searches
Recognise your own search? The answer above covers all of these.
- “find gp accepting new patients France”
- “no family doctor what to do”
- “register with doctor France”
- “health insurer assign doctor”
- “doctor shortage who to contact”
🧭 Is this still correct?
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