LKK
What is LKK in Bulgaria (Medical Advisory Commission)
LKK (Medical Advisory Commission) is a medical commission in Bulgaria that issues primary medical decisions regarding a patient’s health status and prepares official medical conclusions required for further procedures, including treatment, temporary incapacity for work, referral to TELK, and other medical or social matters.
LKK is the first and mandatory step before applying to TELK (Labour Expert Medical Commission).
Where LKK operates
LKK is established and operates within:
state and municipal hospitals;
university hospitals;
certain specialized medical institutions;
diagnostic and consultative centers (DCC).
📌 Important: LKK is not a separate institution or building, but a commission functioning within a medical facility.
Who is part of LKK
LKK usually consists of:
3 medical specialists, one of whom acts as chairperson;
doctors are selected according to the patient’s diagnosis (general physician, neurologist, orthopedist, cardiologist, etc.).
The commission reviews medical records, examination results, and the patient’s medical history.
What LKK is needed for
LKK issues official medical conclusions in the following cases:
📄 issuance of long-term sick leave;
🧾 confirmation of temporary incapacity for work;
📤 referral to TELK (mandatory requirement);
🔄 extension of treatment or rehabilitation;
🏥 confirmation of the need for specialized or inpatient treatment;
📋 medical opinions for social, employment, and administrative purposes.
LKK vs TELK — what is the difference
| LKK | TELK |
|---|---|
| Medical commission within a hospital | State expert medical commission |
| Primary stage | Secondary stage |
| Does not determine disability percentage | Determines % loss of work capacity |
| Issues referrals | Issues expert decisions |
👉 Without an LKK decision, documents cannot be submitted to TELK.
How to go through LKK
The usual procedure includes:
Visit to a GP or treating specialist
Collection of medical documents (discharge summaries, tests, imaging)
Referral to LKK
Review of documents by the commission
Receipt of the LKK conclusion
⏱️ Timeframes depend on the medical institution and case complexity.
LKK for foreigners and refugees
Foreign nationals and persons under temporary protection in Bulgaria may undergo LKK provided they have:
access to the healthcare system (via NHIF or temporary protection);
medical documentation (including documents from another country, translated if required).
📌 LKK often helps correctly structure the pathway to TELK and social benefits.
In short
LKK is a medical filter and preparatory stage without which it is impossible to:
issue long-term sick leave;
obtain a referral to TELK;
start the medical work capacity assessment procedure.