Perspectives on epilepsy care in Denmark

Denmark is a relatively small country (figure), only 300 km (200 miles) long. The country consists of a series of islands most of which are connected by bridges and tunnels. It now is possible to travel by car or train from one end of the country to the other. A connecting bridge to Sweden is also currently under construction. The total population of Denmark is 5.5 million, of whom approximately 30 to 40 thousand of these individuals currently have some form of epilepsy.1 Figure. Denmark is a small country comprised of islands, most of which are connected by bridges and tunnels. The organization of health care in Denmark. Health care in Denmark is completely socialized. There are only a few private hospitals, most of which deal primarily with surgery. In spite of the highly socialized medical structure, there are a significant number of specialists in Denmark, including approximately 250 neurologists and 300 pediatricians. The specialty of pediatric neurology is not recognized in Denmark. However, a number of pediatric specialists have taken a particular interest in epilepsy and devote much of their practice time to caring for individuals with epilepsy. There are four major universities in Denmark, each with departments of pediatrics and neurology. In addition, there are a number of county hospitals throughout the country that have the necessary facilities to service patients with epilepsy. Altogether, there are 18 departments of pediatrics and 18 departments of neurology in Denmark. A small number of neurologists, but no pediatricians, work in private practice settings. Although these physicians practice outside the socialized system, they still must be approved by the National Health Board of Denmark to receive reimbursements from the National Health System. Such payments take the form of an "honorarium to specialists." It is possible to practice medicine in a private …