The Médecin Traitant or Referring Doctor 
As of July 1, 2005, every person in France aged over 16 and covered by the local healthcare system must select a so-called médecin traitant, a term best described as a 'referring doctor', and usually encompassing the functions of a GP or family doctor. The médecin traitant should know the patient best and is referred to in case of any medical problem. The médecin traitant can direct the patient to another doctor, for instance a specialist. Patients can also consult a specialist directly, which might, however, reduce coverage. Dentists and ophthalmologists may be consulted without a reference from a médecin traitant. The rule applies to regular annual check-ups, with a gynecologist, for instance. Reference is only needed once, and thereafter considered a pre-existing condition for direct scheduling of appointments with a specialist. The médecin traitant can be changed any time by filling a form (www.ameli.fr).

General Practitioners
These are the doctors authorized to prescribe drugs, and can be consulted of one’s own accord. They are divided into Practitioners of general medicine (GPs), Acupuncturists, Homeopathic practitioners and Pediatricians. Specialists should be contacted after obtaining a referral from a médecin traitant, consulting such a person directly might lead to coverage reduction. Other specialists include psychiatrists, gynecologists, dermatologists and ophthalmologists, for whom no referral is needed. A further entity are the medical professionals and paramedics, who should be contacted following a referral from a médecin traitant, and they include dentists (no referral needed), dental surgeons (usually with a referral), podiatrists and midwives.

Medical Services
The medical services, which are subject to reimbursement when prescribed by a doctor, include X-Rays, sonograms and MRI scans, as well as Lab tests, physiotherapy, speech therapy and nursing.