Have you just moved to Drammen and wondering how to get a GP (fastlege)? You are not alone. Every year, thousands of people relocate to the Drammen area, and one of the first things to arrange is a regular doctor. Here is a straightforward overview of how to go about it.
Why is it important to have a GP?
In Norway, all residents are entitled to a place on a GP list. Your GP is your primary point of contact in the healthcare system and gets to know you over time. This means better follow-up, faster referrals to specialists when needed, and a doctor who sees the full picture of your health.
Without a GP, you would need to use the emergency clinic (legevakt) or private services for routine matters like prescription renewals, blood tests and health check-ups — which is both more expensive and less predictable.
How to find an available GP in Drammen
Step 1: Check helsenorge.no
The easiest way to find an available GP in Drammen is through helsenorge.no. Log in with BankID and go to “Bytt fastlege” (Change GP). There you can filter by municipality and see which doctors have available spots.
Step 2: Look for clinics accepting new patients
Some clinics actively advertise that they have capacity. Keep an eye on local websites, Facebook groups such as “Drammen by” and “Hva skjer i Drammen”, and Google searches for “ledig fastlege Drammen” (available GP Drammen).
Step 3: Join a waiting list
If your preferred doctor’s list is full, you can join a waiting list. You can be on up to three waiting lists at the same time via helsenorge.no. In the meantime, you can continue using your current GP or visit the emergency clinic for urgent needs.
What to look for when choosing a GP
When choosing a GP, it helps to consider:
- Location — Is the clinic easily accessible from where you live or work? A short journey makes it easier to actually use your GP.
- Availability — Does the clinic offer digital consultations, e-prescriptions and online booking? Flexibility matters in a busy life.
- Expertise — Do the doctors have specialist skills relevant to you? Some GPs have extra experience in internal medicine, women’s health, paediatrics or mental health.
- Modern facilities — A new clinic with up-to-date equipment can mean more efficient examinations and shorter waiting times.
- The team around the doctor — Good healthcare is about more than just the doctor. Nurses, lab technicians and administrative staff all play an important role in your care.
Hotvet legesenter — a new GP clinic in Drammen city centre
Hotvet legesenter opens in June 2026 at Rosenkrantzgata 75 in Drammen city centre. We are a new, modern clinic with a team of experienced GPs and specialists in general practice and internal medicine.
With us you get:
- Short waiting times as a newly opened clinic
- Digital health solutions — book appointments, renew prescriptions and have video consultations
- Doctors with broad expertise in general practice and internal medicine
- Modern premises with up-to-date medical equipment
- Central location in Drammen city centre
We will soon be accepting new patients. Follow us on Facebook to be notified when our lists open, or check helsenorge.no after 1 May 2026.
Frequently asked questions
Does it cost anything to change GP?
No, it is free to change your GP. You can switch up to two times per calendar year via helsenorge.no.
How long does it take to change?
The change usually takes effect from the 1st of the following month after you register. Until then, you continue using your current GP.
Can I have a GP in a different municipality?
Yes, you are free to choose a GP in any municipality in Norway. However, it may be practical to choose one close to your home or workplace.
What do I do if there are no available GPs?
Join a waiting list via helsenorge.no — you can be on up to three waiting lists at the same time. New clinics, such as Hotvet legesenter, will also open new patient lists. Follow local updates.
What happens to my medical records when I change GP?
You as the patient must ask your previous GP to send your records to your new GP. Contact your previous clinic and request the transfer. They are obliged to send the records within a reasonable time.
Need a GP in Drammen?
Hotvet legesenter opens in June 2026. Reserve your spot from 1 May via Helsenorge.
Change GP to usSources: Helsenorge.no — Change GP, Norwegian Directorate of Health — GP scheme