credencial
Published 4 November 2026, 18:37
credencial (referral for tests, a scan or a specialist)
A paper or electronic referral under which the state pays for tests and specialist appointments. It is issued by a doctor at a public health centre, usually your family doctor. With a referral, blood tests and ultrasound scans are free or almost free, including at private laboratories that have an agreement with the SNS.
Where you come across it. Blood tests, ultrasound scans, endoscopy, a specialist appointment at a hospital.
This referral is exactly what people without a family doctor tend to miss out on: the health centre will give them a one-off consultation and a prescription, but not a planned examination.
Official website: sns24.gov.pt/servico/referenciacoes