Ambulancia is a doctor's office or reception room where patients are seen without being admitted to the hospital. This is a common "false friend": the Slovak word means the place of the appointment, not an ambulance (which in Slovak is *sanitka* or *záchranka*).
What you should know
- Every *ambulancia* has opening hours — *ordinačné hodiny*.
- There are different types: *všeobecná* (general), *špecializovaná* (specialized), *zubná* (dental).
- Often, you need to make an appointment in advance to see the doctor (*objednať sa*).
Usually, there is a sign on the door with the doctor's name, office number, and opening hours (*ordinačné hodiny*). If the *ambulancia* is closed and you need urgent help, look for *pohotovosť* (emergency care). The word *ambulancia* is often on signs of polyclinics and private clinics, so don't be afraid: it just means "doctor's office." In private *ambulancie*, you might be charged for separate services even if you are insured, so it's best to check the cost in advance.
