[Health counseling--an element of preventive care responsibility of the general practitioner].

An analysis and assessment is made of international experience in health counselling by the family physician. In line with the health policy mission, recommendations are given for a list of prophylactic performances to be offered by the family physician. Health counselling harmoniously fits into the overall concept of health information, health surveillance and long-term care. Methodological variants of individual and group counselling as well as recommendations for the work of patients' clubs to encourage and qualify the individual citizen to practise a health-promoting life-style, are presented.