Central e-registration in Poland: booking NFZ specialist visits
Short answer: Central e-registration, running since 1 January 2026, books NFZ-funded specialist visits from one national slot database, via IKP, mojeIKP or a clinic. Clinics must inform patients of problems.
Poland is moving specialist appointments into one national online booking system, the central e-registration (centralna e-rejestracja). It has been running since 1 January 2026 and is being widened step by step. On 13 October 2026 the Ministry of Health reminded clinics that problems in rolling it out must not fall on patients. This guide explains what the system covers, how to book, and what you can expect from your clinic. Status as of 15 October 2026.
What it is
According to the Patient Rights Ombudsman (Rzecznik Praw Pacjenta), central e-registration gives access to a nationwide database of free appointment slots, lets patients change or cancel visits, and sends reminders by SMS or e-mail. The stated aim is that it will in time cover all specialist consultations financed by the National Health Fund (NFZ).
* Photos: "Stethoscope No.120" and "Corridor on the second level - NÄL hospital 1", Wikimedia Commons, CC0.
What is covered so far
The Ombudsman's page, dated 16 April 2026, says the system covered from 1 January 2026:
- mammography,
- the HPV HR test, which replaces classic cytology,
- a first visit to a cardiologist.
From 1 August 2026 it was to add first visits to: an angiologist or vascular surgeon, an infectious disease doctor, an endocrinologist, a liver disease doctor, an immunology doctor, a nephrologist, a neonatologist and a lung disease doctor.
A regulation of the Minister of Health of 26 August 2026 amends the rules on central electronic registration. According to the register entry, parts of its annex take effect in stages from 1 April 2027, then 1 June, 1 August, 1 September, 1 October, 1 November and 1 December 2027. The entry does not say here which services each step adds, so check the regulation text for details.
Clinics had until 1 July 2026 to connect. From that date, the Ombudsman says, NFZ finances only those services that are booked through central e-registration.
How to book
The Ombudsman describes two routes:
1. Online. Use the Internet Patient Account (IKP) or the mojeIKP app. If you have the right to a free examination, you will see in the account that you can sign up. If you do not, you will not be able to book it. 2. By phone or in person. The clinic enters you into the system on your behalf.
The system also has a "waiting room" (poczekalnia). It automatically books you when a free slot matching your criteria appears. The Ombudsman gives patients waiting for a first cardiology visit as an example, provided they have a referral and NFZ insurance.
What the Ministry told clinics on 13 October 2026
The ministry asked all providers to take particular care over patients' comfort and information during the rollout. Its main points:
- Preparing the clinic to work with the central solutions, including system integration, is the provider's responsibility. Difficulties should be solved so that patients feel them as little as possible.
- If there is an organisational or technical problem, the patient should get clear information about the situation and what happens next. Blaming central e-registration is not enough.
- If a visit cannot take place for reasons on the clinic's side, the patient should be told promptly, in particular by phone, with the reason, the next steps and a new date or expected waiting time.
- Clinics should pay special attention to patients whose visits are repeatedly moved or cancelled and to those in the central waiting room, and tell them the expected wait and, where appropriate, whether they can be seen at another date or place.
What this means for expats
- You need NFZ insurance and, for most specialist visits, a referral. The pages above mention the referral and insurance for the cardiology waiting room.
- Set up an IKP account. Check the Ministry of Health or IKP pages for how to log in; this guide does not cover the login steps.
- If your clinic cancels, you are entitled to be informed. Ask for the reason and a new date, and use the clinic's phone line.
This guide is general information and not medical or legal advice.
Frequently asked questions
What is central e-registration in Poland?
A national online system for booking NFZ-funded visits and tests from a common database of slots. It has run since 1 January 2026 and is being extended.
How do I book through it?
Through the Internet Patient Account (IKP) or the mojeIKP app, or by phone or in person at a clinic that books for you.
What if my clinic cancels my visit?
According to the Ministry of Health, the clinic should tell you promptly, preferably by phone, with the reason, what happens next and a new date or expected waiting time.
Which visits are included?
Mammography, the HPV HR test and a first cardiology visit from January 2026, and several more specialist first visits from 1 August 2026. More are added in stages.
