SIGIC — Integrated Surgery Waiting-List Management System
SIGIC Voucher for Knee Surgery — Choose Any Hospital You Want
The list printed on your voucher is not binding. You can choose any SIGIC-contracted hospital. Hospital Lusíadas Porto and Hospital da Misericórdia de Vila do Conde both have a SIGIC agreement — you can be operated at either by Dr. Nuno Camelo.
The list of hospitals printed on the SIGIC voucher is a suggestion — not an obligation. Portuguese law guarantees the patient the right to choose any provider contracted with SIGIC to perform their surgery.
Hospital Lusíadas Porto is contracted with SIGIC. You can have your surgery there with Dr. Nuno Camelo — at no additional cost.
What SIGIC is
Integrated Surgery Waiting-List Management System
SIGIC is the Portuguese public surgery waiting-list voucher scheme (the system of the Portuguese NHS, the SNS) that guarantees timely access to surgery. When the waiting time at the public hospital exceeds the maximum guaranteed, the patient receives a "surgery voucher" allowing them to be operated on at a contracted private or public provider — fully funded by the SNS.
The right you have and probably do not know about
The list of hospitals printed on the back of the voucher is generated automatically by the system — it does not represent the full range of available providers. The patient may contact any SIGIC-contracted hospital directly and request the transfer of the voucher. Hospital Lusíadas Porto is contracted for orthopaedic surgery, including knee surgery.
Step by Step
How to Use the SIGIC Voucher at Hospital Lusíadas Porto
1
You have received your SIGIC Voucher
The surgery voucher is issued by the public hospital when the wait exceeds the maximum guaranteed time. It states the planned surgery and the expiry date of the voucher.
2
Contact Our Team
Call 926 850 194 or email joelho@consultajoelho.pt, letting us know you have a SIGIC voucher for knee surgery. Tell us the indicated surgery and the expiry date of the voucher.
3
Pre-operative Appointment with Dr. Nuno Camelo
A full clinical assessment — review of your investigations, confirmation of the surgical indication, surgical planning and answering of any questions. This appointment is essential before any procedure.
4
Transfer of the Voucher to Lusíadas
Hospital Lusíadas Porto handles the acceptance and registration of the SIGIC voucher in the system. The patient does not need to manage any additional paperwork — the hospital's administrative team oversees the process.
5
Surgery — At No Additional Cost
The surgery is performed at Hospital Lusíadas Porto, by Dr. Nuno Camelo, fully covered by SIGIC. No additional cost to the patient beyond those normally applicable under the SNS (user fees, where applicable).
Appointment and Surgery Locations
Where Dr. Nuno Camelo Works
SIGIC Contracted
Hospital Lusíadas Porto
Main surgical hospital. Arthroscopy, ACL reconstruction, total and unicompartmental knee replacement, revision surgery. State-of-the-art equipment.
Appointments Available
Hospital Misericórdia de Vila do Conde
Knee orthopaedic appointments. Assessment, diagnosis and surgical guidance. Surgery available for selected cases.
Appointments Available
Clinic in Paços de Ferreira
Specialist orthopaedic appointments. Assessment and diagnosis. Convenient for patients in the inland area north of Porto.
Frequently Asked Questions — SIGIC
Questions about the Surgery Voucher
No. The list is an automatic suggestion from the SIGIC system showing the nearest providers or those with availability. The patient has the legal right to choose any provider contracted with SIGIC in Portugal, regardless of what appears on the list printed on the voucher.
Yes. Hospital Lusíadas Porto is a provider contracted with SIGIC for orthopaedic surgery, including the main knee procedures (arthroscopy, ligament reconstruction, replacement). Contact us to confirm the specific cover for your indicated surgery.
No. The SIGIC voucher covers the cost of the surgery at the contracted provider on the same terms as at the public hospital. The usual SNS user fees apply if the patient is not exempt. There are no co-payments or additional costs for the surgery itself.
Contact us urgently. The validity of the voucher varies (generally 60–90 days). If the deadline is near, it is essential to speed up the process — it may be possible to arrange the pre-operative appointment and the surgery booking as a priority. Call 926 850 194.
The surgical indication is confirmed at the pre-operative appointment. If there is a discrepancy between the surgery stated on the voucher and the surgical plan after assessment, the matter will be discussed with the SIGIC management team. The specialist clearly explains the indication and the options — the final decision always rests with the patient.
Do you have a SIGIC voucher for your knee?
Contact us now. Our team oversees the whole process of transferring the voucher and booking the surgery — no paperwork for you.