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Rugmedisch Centrum Fysiotherapie

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From practice

To the chiropractor without a referral — this is how it works

Do you need a referral from your GP for the chiropractor? No. We explain how it works, what an intake entails and what you bring with you to your first appointment.

The Praktijk Dokter Mulder team in white practice coats, next to a treatment couch in the practice

One of the most frequently asked questions at our counter: “Do I need a referral from my GP?” The short answer: no. Chiropractic care is immediately accessible. You can make an appointment yourself and you can often reach us within a week.

On this page4
  1. Why no referral is necessary
  2. What happens during the first appointment?
  3. What are you taking with you?
  4. And the compensation?

Why no referral is necessary

A registered chiropractor is trained to conduct independent research, make a working diagnosis and recognize when something falls outside their own field of expertise. That is why you can make an appointment directly — just like with the dentist or physiotherapist. If it appears during the intake that further medical examination is necessary, we will refer you specifically.

What happens during the first appointment?

  • Anamnesis — we discuss your complaint, history and goals.
  • Physical examination — movement examination, nerve tests and additional examinations where necessary.
  • Explanation & plan — you will be told clearly what is going on and which approach is appropriate. A first treatment often follows.

Want to know more about how such a first visit goes? You can read this on our appointment page.

What are you taking with you?

  • A valid ID and your health insurance card (useful for the declaration).
  • Any previous scans or reports (MRI, X-ray).
  • Comfortable clothing for the examination.

And the compensation?

Because you do not need a referral, a visit is usually not at the expense of your deductible — chiropractic care is usually reimbursed by supplementary insurance. Check your coverage with the reimbursement checker.

Ready to get started? Make an appointment online or call us — in Rotterdam or Dordrecht.

This article is informational and does not replace personal medical advice. In case of doubt or persistent complaints, always consult a doctor or BIG-registered healthcare provider.

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Read more about your symptoms and what we do about them.

Responsible practitioner

Arthur Mulder

Physical Therapist and Registered Chiropractor (D.C.)

Registered in the Register of Chiropractor as A.R. Mulder DC and affiliated with the Dutch Chiropractic Federation. Oversees chiropractic care in Rotterdam and is co-founder of SportManipulation, which provides training for physiotherapists and sports masseurs.

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Ready to get rid of your complaints?

No referral needed — make an appointment straight away.

What does your insurer reimburse?

Choose your insurer and your additional package. You will immediately see what chiropractic care is reimbursed.

Good to know

  • From the supplementary insurance, so not from your deductible.
  • No GP referral required.
  • You will receive an invoice with everything your insurer needs.

Source: chiropractievergoeding.nl, policy year 2026 (version 1.0 — 21-11-2025). This is an indication; your own policy always takes precedence.