The type of services offered depends upon the specialisations of the physicians operating from the clinic. More complicated cases are usually referred to the government sector. In 1990 there were 106 private clinics with an average of 14 beds many of which were much smaller, almost half have fewer than ten beds while some had fewer than five. There is no clear distinction between primary and secondary care facilities. Many physicians offer both general consultation and some specialist advice depending on their level of training and speciality.
Patients pay for each consultation.
Consultation and treatment are conducted on a fee for service basis. However, physicians are not obliged to follow them and may set higher fees if demand for their services is particularly high. Conversely some undercut the official rate in order to attract patients from other providers. The exception to this is where the PMA agrees rates with specific unions for treatment funded under their health care schemes. The PHC needs of the Cyprus population are met through 25 rural Health Centres, scattered all over the island, three Urban Health Centres located in the Nicosia District and through the outpatient departments of the District Hospitals.