When you are looking for a GP (personal doctor) in Sofia, a nearby address matters, but it is not the only criterion. The practice should fit your real schedule and explain clearly how visits are booked, how registration is organised and where to ask your administrative questions.

Does the practice accept new patients

Start with this question, before comparing ratings. Also check the age group: registering an adult does not automatically mean the same doctor also accepts young children. An available paid appointment does not prove there are free places for registration under NHIF (National Health Insurance Fund) either.

If the information in the directory is old, confirm it with the practice. The date of the check matters, because capacity changes. A good directory should show when the information was confirmed and offer a way to correct it.

Is the practice convenient for your daily life

Check the route at the time of day you are likely to visit the doctor. Think about whether you will usually set off from home, from work or from somewhere else. Straight-line distance may matter less than access by public transport and being able to arrive on time.

If there is more than one practice location, check which visits are organised at each address. Don’t assume that every service or every appointment is available at both places. If you have difficulty getting around, ask specifically about the entrance, stairs and access to the consulting room.

Eight questions for the first conversation

  • Do you accept new registered patients, and of what age?
  • What are the conditions for an examination under NHIF?
  • How do I book an examination, a preventive check-up and an administrative visit?
  • Which address and which opening hours apply to me?
  • How is discussing results organised?
  • How are questions about current medicines and medical documents handled?
  • What should I do when the doctor is away or outside opening hours?
  • Which documents are needed for registration?

How to use reviews sensibly

Reviews can show recurring impressions of attitude and organisation. Read several different opinions, pay attention to the dates and to whether they refer to the same practice. An overall rating is not proof of specific medical competence, nor a promise that every visit will go the same way.

Avoid rankings that declare “the best GP” without a clear method. A useful comparison describes verifiable facts and helps you find a practice that suits your needs.

Example of a practice with two addresses

Dr Boris Gavrilov has practices in Manastirski livadi and Hadzhi Dimitar. Check current acceptance of new patients and how the practice works with the practice itself. Mentioning him here is not an independent ranking: trqbvami.com has an editorial partnership with the practice.

Once you have chosen a doctor, check the documents and the registration procedure with the practice. The addresses, surgery hours by day and booking for both of Dr Gavrilov’s practices are also collected in his profile on trqbvami.com.