FAQ
Frequently answered questions
Emergencies
Are you an emergency department?
No. We are a private polyclinic and do not provide emergency services. In a medical emergency, call 112.
When should I call 112 instead of going by taxi/car?
If the situation may be serious (chest pain, breathing difficulty, major trauma, altered consciousness, seizures, bleeding, suspected stroke), call 112: the ambulance will take you to the most appropriate PS.
Which major emergency departments can I consider in Rome?
Gemelli, Umberto I, San Camillo, and Bambino Gesù (pediatric). For other PS locations and waiting times, see Regione Lazio’s official channels.
Do any private clinics handle urgent cases?
Yes—e.g., UPMC Salvator Mundi (daytime first aid) and Arsbiomedica (urgent care with on-call specialists). They do not replace 24/7 PS.
Poison Control Centers in Rome?
Policlinico Gemelli – 06 3054343
Policlinico Umberto I – 06 49978000
Bambino Gesù – 06 68593726
Useful national numbers?
112 – Numero unico di emergenza
1522 – Antiviolenza h24
1530 – Sea emergency (Guardia Costiera)
1500 – “Estate sicura” (Ministero Salute)
800 860022 – Telefono Amico / Samaritans (IT/EN)
Pharmacies & Prescriptions
How do I find the nearest on-call pharmacy?
Use the official “farmacia di turno” service (Region/Pharmacists’ Association). Local pharmacies offer continuous hours; some are open at night.
Can I find foreign medications in Italy?
Usually yes, though brand names may differ. If unavailable, the pharmacist can check the Informatore Farmaceutico or direct you to the Vatican Pharmacy (recipe and ID required).
Laboratory tests & imaging
Typical blood-draw hours?
Commonly 7:00–10:00; some centers have extended hours. Always check first.
Do I need to fast?
Often yes: 8 hours for adults; about 3 hours for small children. Follow lab/doctor instructions.
Can results be delivered online or sent to my doctor?
Yes. Many labs provide digital reports (with an access code) and can send results to your physician on request.
Where can I get X-rays, CT (TAC), MRI (RMN), ultrasound?
Always by appointment. We regularly collaborate with partner facilities; our front desk can direct you.
Vaccinations
Do you administer vaccines on site?
Yes. We provide most vaccines for adults and children: Difterite-Tetano-Pertosse, Polio, Epatite B, Hib, MPR (measles-mumps-rubella), Varicella, Pneumococco, Meningococco ACWY/B, Rotavirus, HPV, Influenza, Epatite A, Epatite A+B, tetanus boosters, Rabies (pre-exposure), Typhoid, oral Cholera, Herpes Zoster. Book a vaccination consultation: we’ll plan your schedule and boosters.
Which pediatric vaccines are mandatory in Italy?
Polio, diphtheria, tetanus, hepatitis B, pertussis, Hib, measles, rubella, mumps, varicella. Others are recommended (e.g., pneumococcus, meningococcus, rotavirus, COVID-19). Reference: PNPV.
Bring your vaccination booklet: we check coverage and plan catch-ups.
Traveler vaccines: how does it work?
Book a pre-travel consult: we review itinerary, timing, comorbidities and propose a tailored plan (vaccines, prophylaxis, certificates). We administer main travel vaccines on site. Regulated exceptions: Yellow Fever and Japanese Encephalitis are done at an authorized center.
Fever after returning from tropical countries: where to go?
Contact Spallanzani. With SSN: book via RECUP 069939 with a referral “visita malattie tropicali.” Without SSN: RECUP 069939 → key 2 (intramoenia).
Insurance
Do you accept insurance?
Yes. We have direct billing with some entities (e.g., Cigna, HTH/GeoBlue with GOP, Healix for UK Embassy). With other policies, you pay and then seek reimbursement (invoice provided).
How does Cigna direct billing work?
For FAO (480), ICCROM (480/ICC), IFAD (476), WFP (477/478): coverage includes the visit and, with few exceptions, services performed during the visit (ECG, Pap, spirometry, etc.). Typically a 20% copay is paid at reception; if your policy covers it, we issue an invoice for reimbursement.
Is my specialist included in Cigna direct billing?
Some are, some aren’t. If not included, you pay at reception and claim reimbursement from your insurer. Our staff will guide you.
Bookings & phone calls
How do I book?
Online via Doctolib (24/7) or through our front desk. You’ll receive SMS/email reminders with visit information.
How do I cancel or reschedule at Aventino?
Please do so at least 24 hours in advance via:
— your Doctolib account, or
— calling reception at (+39) 06 578 0738.
This helps us offer your slot to another patient.
When should I call to get a faster reply?
Outside 11:00–13:00 and 15:00–18:00. If the doctor is with a patient, reception will take a message and we’ll call back the same day.
Fees & payments
Are you part of the SSN? Do you offer reductions?
We operate privately only. Fees are moderate; reductions may be considered in cases of need.
How do I pay?
At the time of the visit: credit/debit card, bancomat, cash, check, advance bank transfer or instant transfer.
Sports certificates
Which certificates does Aventino Medical Group issue?
We issue:
— Certificate for ludico-motoria (recreational activity)
— Certificate for non-agonistica (non-competitive sport)
We do not issue agonistic (competitive) certificates; please see a sports medicine physician.
Difference between ludico-motoria and non-agonistica?
Ludico-motoria: non-competitive activities (gym, fitness/dance classes, jogging, recreational). Often requested by gyms for insurance reasons.
Non-agonistica: non-competitive activities/competitions (school, amateur tournaments, CONI/affiliated entities) when required by regulations.
What exams are needed for the ludico-motoria certificate?
Medical history, physical exam, blood pressure. Resting ECG: not always mandatory; required based on age, history, and risk factors. If available, bring a recent ECG.
What exams are needed for the non-agonistica certificate?
Medical history, physical exam, blood pressure, resting ECG (as per current rules/practice for non-competitive eligibility).
Who can request the non-agonistica certificate?
Students (school activities), participants in courses/events by sports entities, and activities organized by CONI-affiliated clubs when required. When booking, indicate the entity/club and sport.
How long is the certificate valid?
Generally 12 months from issue, unless different rules apply (law or sports entity).
Do you issue agonistica certificates?
No. Competitive eligibility requires a dedicated workup and equipment (e.g., resting and stress ECG, possible spirometry). Please consult a sports medicine physician, ideally in a hospital or sports medicine center.
For newcomers to Rome (expats & travelers)
Is tap water drinkable?
Yes. Acea maintains quality standards; you can check composition on the official site.
Allergies and Rome’s climate: any tips?
The microclimate can favor allergies; plan with your doctor (e.g., inhalants, pollen) and consider therapy/inhalers as needed.
Are contraception and IVG legal in Italy?
Yes, within Italian regulations. Ask our specialists for guidance.
Palliative care & end-of-life
What are palliative care services?
Clinical-supportive pathways that relieve pain and other symptoms (dyspnea, nausea, insomnia, anxiety), protect quality of life in incurable conditions, and support families. In Italy they’re guaranteed by Law 38/2010 and included in the LEA (Livelli Essenziali di Assistenza). Gazzetta Ufficiale n. 65 del 18 marzo 2017
Where are they provided?
At home (dedicated teams), residential hospices, hospital/day-hospital when needed. They are part of the Local Palliative Care Network (RLCP) organized by ASL/Regions.
If I have a tessera sanitaria (SSN), am I entitled to palliative care?
Yes. They’re LEA services and therefore guaranteed by the SSN. No ticket applies for palliative care and pain therapy, per Law 38/2010 and LEA. Operational details are managed by Region/ASL. Gazzetta Ufficiale n. 65 del 18 marzo 2017
How are they activated?
Speak with your Medico di Medicina Generale or specialist: they start the request to your ASL’s Palliative Care Network. Many ASLs have PUA (Punti Unici di Accesso)/district desks that guide families and collect clinical documents.
What does the pathway involve?
A multidimensional assessment (clinical, functional, psychological, social) and an Individual Care Plan, with possible activation of palliative ADI and/or hospice admission when indicated.
If I don’t have a tessera sanitaria (STP/ENI or visitor), do I still have rights?
Yes. Italian law safeguards the right to health for foreigners not enrolled in the SSN. Urgent and essential care, including ongoing care, is guaranteed, as are prevention programs. Access is via STP (“Straniero Temporaneamente Presente”) or ENI (EU citizen not enrolled). References: Art. 35 D.Lgs. 286/1998 and national practice. “Assistenza agli stranieri PTV.”
How do I obtain STP/ENI and access care?
Apply through ASL/hospitals/PS for the STP/ENI code. With the code, the hospital physician or MMG dedicated to STP can activate the palliative network in your ASL. Urgent/essential ongoing services (including palliative) are guaranteed; any cost-sharing depends on regional rules/exemptions. “Rilascio codici STP e ENI.”
Confidentiality note: access for STP/ENI occurs in protection and without reporting to authorities solely for requesting healthcare.
DAT (Biotestamento) & shared care planning
What is the “disposizione anticipata di trattamento” (DAT)?
It’s how you state in advance your wishes regarding treatment (including life-sustaining therapies) in case you cannot decide in the future. Provided by Law 219/2017, which also protects informed consent and shared care planning. DAT must be in writing at your Comune, a notary, or authorized healthcare facilities and can be updated.
Is palliative sedation legal?
Yes, when symptoms are refractory to treatment and according to clinical/ethical criteria of proportionality, within palliative care. It is not euthanasia. Gazzetta Ufficiale n. 65 del 18 marzo 2017
What Aventino Medical Group does
Basic clinical and needs assessment; initial symptom-control framework where indicated.
Informational support for shared care planning (including guidance on DAT/biotestamento), within available expertise.
Orientation and coordination, when appropriate, with the territorial Palliative Care Network (ASL), hospice, and the family doctor.
Family support on practical and informational aspects (basic counseling, connection to dedicated services).
If you believe palliative care may be appropriate, book an evaluation: we’ll help you understand next steps and, when needed, activate the most suitable territorial services.
Support groups & resources
Where can I find immediate listening support (IT/EN)?
Telefono Amico / Samaritans: 800 860022.
Use it for emotional support; for clinical care, book with our specialists.
Are there networks that can complement clinical care?
Yes—some associations can integrate (not replace) the work with our doctors/psychologists:
AISM – Multiple Sclerosis: 06 495 8001
AIMA – Alzheimer’s: 06 372 2917
Alcolisti Anonimi: 800 411406 / 06 663 6629
Narcotici Anonimi: 06 8402 5043
How do I avoid “getting lost” among external resources?
First book an evaluation with our team (medical or psychological): we’ll define a plan and, if useful, coordinate access to groups/associations while maintaining continuity of care.