Heilsugæslan Efra-Breiðholti
Table of contents
Services
Medical services
You can see a doctor by appointment. You can request an an appointment by sending a message on My pages on Heilsuvera (see instructions).
If the matter is urgent and cannot wait, you can contact the service by calling 1700 or via Heilsuvera’s online chat.
Through My Pages on Heilsuvera, it is easy to send messages to the clinic’s staff.
It is also possible to book a telephone consultation with a doctor.
Telephone advice from a nurse is always available. A telephone consultation with a doctor must be scheduled in advance.
Through my pages on Heilsuvera patients can easily communicate electronically with the healthcare professionals providing their care at the center.
Advice for urgent matters is available via Heilsuvera’s chat service, as well as by telephone 24 hours a day by calling 1700.
Primary care clinics are open on weekdays during regular office hours. They provide care for people with acute illnesses and minor injuries.
The first step is to call the number 1700 or use the online chat on Heilsuvera.
A nurse will guide you on the next steps and provide advice. If you need to visit the primary care clinic, an appointment is usually scheduled the same day or the following day.
In urgent cases, services are always available during office hours.
Psychologists and social workers operate as part of multidisciplinary teams and work closely with schools and social services.
Psychologists provide counseling and therapy for children, adolescents, and their families, as well as for adults aged 18 and older.
Social workers assist individuals, couples, or families who face challenges that affect their health.
You can call your health center to check availability for an appointment.
Many also benefit from participating in courses or online therapy programs. Please note that these courses are generally offered in Icelandic.
Medications are prescribed during a physician consultation.
You can request a refill for certain regularly used medications prescribed by the clinic’s physicians. Refills are usually ready for pickup at pharmacies the next business day but may take longer.
Antibiotics, strong pain medications, sedatives, and sleep medications can only be renewed during a physician consultation.
If you have questions or concerns about your medications, a clinic pharmacist can provide advice and review your medications.
Electronic prescription renewal
The easiest way to request a medication refill is through Heilsuvera. You will need electronic identification.
Telephone prescription renewal
Information about telephone numbers and hours for medication refills is available on the General Information page at each health clinic.
If you need a medical certificate for school or work, you can request one through My Pages on Heilsuvera.
For extended illness or other types of certificates, you must contact a physician.
Most certificates require a fee, which can be found in the price list.
Primary care physicians refer patients to specialists when necessary for issues they have been involved with.
When the specialist’s care is completed, a medical report is sent to the primary care physician to inform them of the results.
We employ family practitioners, resident physicians, and medical interns.
When doctors are on leave, other doctors at the center cover for them.
Anna Kristín Þórhallsdóttir, family practitioner
Elísabet Guðmundsdóttir, resident family practitioner
Hallgrímur Óskar Hallgrímsson, doctor
Nanna S. Kristinsdóttir, family practitioner
Preventive healthcare
Prenatal care is the starting point of the healthcare services. Expectant parents may seek services from the health center in their local area or choose another center and register there.
Prenatal care is free of charge for those covered by health insurance. Appointments and examinations are offered from the beginning of pregnancy through delivery.
The first appointment with a midwife is often conducted by telephone shortly after the pregnancy is confirmed. The number of prenatal visits depends on individual circumstances, most commonly 7–10 visits. Between appointments, telephone advice from a midwife is available.
Maternal and child health services are available to all children and are free of charge for those covered by health insurance.
Parents of newborn babies are offered home visits during the first weeks. Thereafter, they are invited to attend scheduled check-ups at the primary healthcare center with their child.
During home visits, a nurse examines the child and assesses their development, weight, and head circumference. Parents receive guidance and education regarding infant care and their own well-being.
When the child is six weeks old, a medical examination is offered at the health center and then the vaccinations start.
Vaccination is a immune measure intended to prevent serious infectious disease. Vaccines are either prepared from weakened viruses or bacteria or they contain substances found in these pathogens. Vaccines themselves cause little symptoms but induce a counter-response in the body that prevents or reduces the chance of the vaccinated person becoming ill with the disease that is vaccinated against.
You can get all the standard vaccinations at your healthcare center.
Order a appointment at the receptionist's office to receive vaccination.
On my pages you will find a summary of vaccinations you have received and you can also contact a nurse at your healthcare center who will review this with you and advise you.
For further information on different vaccinations, see below and
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Screening for breast and cervical cancer is available in accordance with screening guidelines from the Directorate of Health.
Breast cancer screening
Screening for cervical cancer
The cancer screening coordination centre provides further information by calling 513-6700 between 8:30 and 12 am. You can also send an email to them.
Services for people with chronic health conditions focus on the following conditions:
Type 2 diabetes
Overweight and obesity
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Cardiovascular disease
High blood pressure
Services are tailored to individual needs and may include:
Health assessment
Individual care plan
Follow-up care
Tests and examinations
Medications and medication review
Motivational interviews
Preventive care
Services for people with chronic health conditions are often provided following an appointment with a doctor. They may also be booked separately. Please contact your health center if you wish to access these services.
Elderly health services aim to support mental, physical, and social well-being so that individuals can live at home for as long as possible.
Appointments with a nurse in elderly health services can be booked by calling the health center.
The nurse:
Assists in improving and adapting to changing health conditions.
Provides guidance on assistive devices and support equipment.
Offers advice on available services.
Those aged 70 and older are encouraged to schedule routine checkups with their primary care physician.
Nurses are available in elementary and secondary schools. They provide education, screenings, and vaccinations.
The nurses offer guidance to students, their families, and school staff.
You can contact the nurse by contacting the school.
The Exercise Prescription is a treatment for conditions where regular physical activity is known to have a beneficial effect.
Physical therapists create an exercise plan tailored to the individual’s condition, physical abilities, and motivation.
The individual logs their exercise electronically, and the physical therapist monitors progress, providing guidance and encouragement through phone calls and messages via Heilsuvera.
About Heilsugæslan Efra-Breiðholti
Health centers are managed by a Head of department.
Directors of medicine and nursing lead the professional work.
Head of department and director of nursing: Vildís Bergþórsdóttir
Director of medicine: Nanna Sigríður Kristinsdóttir
Office manager: Ásta Huld Iðunnardóttir
Heilsugæslan Efra-Breiðholti primarily serves residents in Efra-Breiðholt
Everyone is free to register at the center regardless of residence.
You can register, view your registration and change your registration at Heilsuvera and Island.is.
