specialist doc

How to book a specialist doctor visit in Puglia

Booking an appointment for healthcare services in Puglia can sometimes might seems daunting, but it’s actually not that bad at all. The CUP (Centro Unico di Prenotazione) system provides a convenient alternative by allowing patients to book appointments online or in person at various locations.

Booking Procedures (CUP)

There are several ways to book healthcare services in Lecce and the surrounding areas. You can visit CUP/Ticket counters in public healthcare facilities throughout the province for in-person bookings. Another option is to call the ASL Lecce Call Center at 0832-1979911. The call center operates Monday through Friday from 8:15 AM to 1:45 PM and from 3:15 PM to 5:45 PM, and on Saturdays from 8:15 AM to 1:45 PM. Please note that in August, the call center is available only Monday through Friday.

If you prefer booking online, you can do so through the ASL website by navigating to the “Online Services” menu on the homepage. Alternatively, bookings can also be made through the Puglia Salute App. For assistance, volunteer associations are available via the phone numbers 0836-805341 and 0832-520165. In addition, some local pharmacies and parapharmacies are authorized to assist with bookings.

These services allow you to book specialist outpatient treatments at public and accredited private healthcare facilities in Lecce, provided you have an SSN prescription (either digital or paper) and your health card. For treatments that require preparation or informed consent, be sure to carefully read the instructions provided on your booking confirmation.

Booking online

Go to sanita.puglia.it site and visit this link:

Click on Free access, enter your Codice Fiscale and Health Card Number. For your helath number, it only ask you for the second part of the number.

Then, select the region you are in and also the regions near you. For example , if you are in Lecce, you can select ASL Lecce, ASL Brindisi, and ASL Taranto. Then select NHS and then enter the performance code on your referral slip from your english-speaking primary doctor. The performance code is going to be the number associated for the medical procedure you are referred for. usually in the format of xxx(yyyyy), you want to put in the yyyyy here.

Prescription Number

On the next page, you will be asked your prescription number. It’s going to be both numbers on the top righthand side combined without the space in the middle.


Canceling an Appointment

It says if you need to cancel, you have to do it 48 hours before otherwise you face a patently. Here is the link to do that.

Exceptions and Special Bookings

Please note that certain services cannot be booked through the CUP system. For instance, appointments with the Nuclear Medicine Unit at Vito Fazzi Hospital (e.g., PET scans, Scintigraphy) require different procedures. You can send an email with your prescription and contact details to [email protected], or visit the Unit’s office in person Monday to Friday from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM and from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM. For additional information, you can also call the Unit’s office at 0832 661591 during these hours. Necessary forms are also available on the ASL Lecce website under “ASL Lecce/Assistance/Hospitals/Vito Fazzi Hospital/Documents and Forms.”

Schedule Lab Tests

Similarly, laboratory tests cannot be booked online. You can, however, schedule these tests by phone. The Vito Fazzi Hospital can be reached at 0832 661488 Monday to Friday from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM. For the Poliambulatorio di Lecce “Cittadella della Salute,” call 0832 215749 Monday to Friday from 11:15 AM to 1:00 PM, and on Tuesday from 3:00 PM to 5:30 PM.

Some services, such as those offered by Family Clinics, the Neuropsychiatry Service for Children and Adolescents, and Mental Health Centers, as well as some lab tests, do not require bookings through CUP. These services allow for direct access.

Breast Care Services

For breast care services, there is a dedicated Breast Care CUP line at 800 426 060. This line operates Monday to Friday from 8:30 AM to 1:30 PM, and on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:15 PM to 5:45 PM. These services can only be booked with an SSN prescription. If you encounter difficulties reaching an operator, a voicemail service is available from 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM. If you leave a message, you will receive a call back.

Additionally, you can visit the ‘Punto Rosa’ located in the Cittadella della Salute. It is on the ground floor of the Socio-Sanitary District of Lecce and is open Monday to Friday from 8:30 AM to 1:00 PM, and Tuesday and Thursday from 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM. For more information, call 0832 215277 during office hours.

It’s important to note that screenings for the prevention of breast cancer, cervical cancer, and colorectal cancer cannot be booked through this service. For information on screening programs, contact the Screening Center at 800 894 594, Monday to Friday from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM, or email [email protected].

Managing Booking Delays

If you are a resident or a temporary resident in Lecce’s ASL region and cannot get an appointment within the priority timeline indicated on your prescription, or if the available appointment times do not meet the required priority, you can request the activation of “Protection Pathways” at the CUP counters. This service ensures compliance with regional and local plans aimed at managing waiting lists efficiently.

Canceling or Rescheduling Appointments

All booking methods, including the phone line 0832-1979911, can also be used to cancel or reschedule your appointments, or to check the details of your bookings (such as date, time, and location).

You can also cancel appointments by emailing [email protected]. Be sure to include your booking number, patient information, and prescription number in your message.

Please remember that cancellations must be made at least 48 business hours before your scheduled appointment. Failing to cancel in time may result in a penalty, including for patients who are exempt from ticket fees. When canceling, a cancellation number will be provided, which should be kept for future reference in case of any issues.

Booking Private Intramural Services (ALPI)

Private intramural services (ALPI) can be booked through the same CUP counters at ASL facilities. You can also call 0832 661770, Monday to Friday from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM, or visit the dedicated ALPI counter at Vito Fazzi Hospital from Monday to Saturday between 8:30 AM and 12:30 PM, and Monday to Friday from 3:00 PM to 7:30 PM. Alternatively, you can book online via the ASL Lecce website or through the Puglia Salute App.

Lecce CUP locations

If you’re having trouble booking appointments online or by phone, you can always visit a CUP location in person. The province of Lecce has several CUP counters where you can directly book your healthcare appointments. Here are two primary locations:

  • Lecce Ospedale V. Fazzi (Sportello ASL)
    Address: Piazza Muratore, 73100 Lecce (LE)
    Phone: 0832/661279
    Hours: Monday to Friday from 7:45 AM to 12:30 PM; Tuesday and Thursday from 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM.
    Notes: Only in-person bookings are available at this counter. You can schedule services for any healthcare facility within the ASL territory at this location.
  • Lecce Poliambulatorio – Sportello Unificato CUP/Ticket (Sportello ASL)
    Address: Piazza Bottazzi, 73100 Lecce (LE)
    Hours: Monday to Friday from 7:45 AM to 12:45 PM; Tuesday and Thursday from 3:15 PM to 5:30 PM.
    Notes: You must have a service ticket to access the CUP/Ticket counters. As with other locations, you can book appointments for any healthcare facility within the ASL network.

Over to you

For those who face difficulties with online or phone booking, visiting a CUP location in person is an effective solution. Whether at the Ospedale V. Fazzi or the Poliambulatorio in Lecce, these centers allow for direct booking of healthcare services within the entire ASL territory. The in-person option offered by the CUP system ensures that patients can still secure their necessary appointments, providing flexibility and peace of mind when scheduling care.

Read More