Spent weeks being sent from doctor to doctor? Medical care doesn't have to be that way!
Spent weeks being sent from doctor to doctor? Medical care doesn't have to be that way!
A referral, a waiting list, an appointment in eight weeks' time, and nobody has the full picture. Why this costs you precious time in an emergency, and how a primary care centre does things differently for you.
A referral, a waiting list, an appointment in eight weeks' time, and nobody has the full picture. Why this costs you precious time in an emergency, and how a primary care centre does things differently for you.
Dr Florian Pichler · 28 July 2026 · 2 min. read
Dr Florian Pichler · 28 July 2026 · 2 min. read
A primary care centre is not just a larger GP practice. It is a completely different setup: at least two GPs work permanently with qualified nursing staff and other healthcare professionals in a coordinated way, all under one roof. [1]
You will really notice the difference exactly where traditional individual practices reach their limits: during holiday closures, with test results getting lost between different surgeries, and with appointments that only become available weeks down the line.
What a primary care centre does differently in practice
In our centre, general practitioners, qualified nurses, and therapists all work under the same roof as one close-knit team. This means your medical reports stay right here with us instead of wandering from practice to practice. Your next treatment steps are planned together with us rather than being handed over to you as a chore, and preventive care is a core part of what we offer, not just an afterthought there's no time for.
Why longer opening hours are more than just a marketing promise
A solo medical practice has to close when the doctor is on holiday or attending training. A team, however, can cover for one another! That is why primary care units in Austria are required to offer extended and highly reliable opening hours. [2] This is where the model truly shines in daily life: you get an appointment exactly when you need it, rather than having to wait for summer closures to end.
Who is in our team
Our core team consists of general practitioners and qualified healthcare and nursing professionals. Depending on the location, this is complemented by other specialists such as physiotherapists, dietitians, social workers, or psychotherapists. [3]
Chronic conditions: Where we make the biggest difference
When it comes to diabetes, high blood pressure, or COPD, it's not a single appointment that determines your health journey, but rather consistent, continuous care. The structure of a primary care centre is designed precisely for this. We carry out structured check-ups, keep seamless records of your progress, and adjust your therapy before any levels get out of hand. Gesundheit Österreich GmbH describes this coordinated, long-term care as one of the key pillars of this healthcare model. [4]
What a primary care centre does differently in practice
In our centre, general practitioners, qualified nurses, and therapists all work under the same roof as one close-knit team. This means your medical reports stay right here with us instead of wandering from practice to practice. Your next treatment steps are planned together with us rather than being handed over to you as a chore, and preventive care is a core part of what we offer, not just an afterthought there's no time for.
Why longer opening hours are more than just a marketing promise
A solo medical practice has to close when the doctor is on holiday or attending training. A team, however, can cover for one another! That is why primary care units in Austria are required to offer extended and highly reliable opening hours. [2] This is where the model truly shines in daily life: you get an appointment exactly when you need it, rather than having to wait for summer closures to end.
Who is in our team
Our core team consists of general practitioners and qualified healthcare and nursing professionals. Depending on the location, this is complemented by other specialists such as physiotherapists, dietitians, social workers, or psychotherapists. [3]
Chronic conditions: Where we make the biggest difference
When it comes to diabetes, high blood pressure, or COPD, it's not a single appointment that determines your health journey, but rather consistent, continuous care. The structure of a primary care centre is designed precisely for this. We carry out structured check-ups, keep seamless records of your progress, and adjust your therapy before any levels get out of hand. Gesundheit Österreich GmbH describes this coordinated, long-term care as one of the key pillars of this healthcare model. [4]
“Because health is important to everyone. No matter where you come from or who you are.”
“Because health is important to everyone. No matter where you come from or who you are.”
“Because health is important to everyone. No matter where you come from or who you are.”
What this means for your next appointment
You don't need to know which healthcare professional you need to see – that is our job! You simply come to us with your concern, and we will coordinate internally to see who should take a look and what the best next step is for you.
The PVZ Primary Care Centre in Vienna's Josefstadt is open to patients of all health insurance providers as well as private patients. You can find all of our services in the services overview, and appointments can be booked under appointments and contact.
Frequently asked questions
What is a primary care centre?
It is an enhanced general practice where at least two general practitioners work closely alongside qualified nursing staff and other healthcare professionals. In Austria, this setup is officially regulated by law as a Primary Care Unit (PVE).
How much does treatment at a primary care centre cost?
There is no cost at all for patients with public health insurance, as we are open to all statutory health insurance providers. Private services are listed separately.
Do I need a referral?
No, you don't! A primary care centre is your very first point of contact. You can come straight to us, just like you would to a traditional family doctor.
What is the difference between this and a normal GP surgery?
There are three main benefits: extended and reliable opening hours with no closures for holidays, a multi-professional team all under one roof, and seamless internal coordination instead of long referral chains.
Can I easily switch to you as an existing patient?
Yes, absolutely! All you need is your e-card. It is also a great idea to bring along any existing medical reports to your first appointment.
Sources
What this means for your next appointment
You don't need to know which healthcare professional you need to see – that is our job! You simply come to us with your concern, and we will coordinate internally to see who should take a look and what the best next step is for you.
The PVZ Primary Care Centre in Vienna's Josefstadt is open to patients of all health insurance providers as well as private patients. You can find all of our services in the services overview, and appointments can be booked under appointments and contact.
Frequently asked questions
What is a primary care centre?
It is an enhanced general practice where at least two general practitioners work closely alongside qualified nursing staff and other healthcare professionals. In Austria, this setup is officially regulated by law as a Primary Care Unit (PVE).
How much does treatment at a primary care centre cost?
There is no cost at all for patients with public health insurance, as we are open to all statutory health insurance providers. Private services are listed separately.
Do I need a referral?
No, you don't! A primary care centre is your very first point of contact. You can come straight to us, just like you would to a traditional family doctor.
What is the difference between this and a normal GP surgery?
There are three main benefits: extended and reliable opening hours with no closures for holidays, a multi-professional team all under one roof, and seamless internal coordination instead of long referral chains.
Can I easily switch to you as an existing patient?
Yes, absolutely! All you need is your e-card. It is also a great idea to bring along any existing medical reports to your first appointment.
Sources
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Ready for the path to recovery?
If you enjoyed this article, you're probably feeling exactly the same as us: the urge to take action and really make a difference. But why stop at just reading? Come and join us, and be part of what we are building here.
If you enjoyed this article, you're probably feeling exactly the same as us: the urge to take action and really make a difference. But why stop at just reading? Come and join us, and be part of what we are building here.
