Unified Booking Centre
Plain English
It's the single booking centre that schedules public health visits, specialist appointments, and diagnostic tests. You call them, go in person, or use a regional online portal to book.
Why it matters
Without a CUP booking, you can\'t access most non-urgent SSN specialist visits. Your medico di base\'s impegnativa goes through the CUP system to set a date and a clinic.
Real example
"After her GP in Lodi wrote her an impegnativa for an ultrasound, Mei Lin booked the appointment through the CUP phone line. The first free slot was about three weeks out."
Common confusion
CUP waiting times can vary wildly. For more urgent referrals (priority U or B), your GP can tick a priority box, and you\'ll get a much sooner slot.
Official source
Ministero della Salute