The hospital sector is the responsibility of the five regions. It is normally necessary to be referred by a general practitioner to a hospital for medical examination and treatment, unless it is a question of an accident or an acute illness. It will also normally be necessary to be referred by a general practitioner for treatment by a specialist.

The hospitals are responsible for specialised examinations, treatment and care of somatic and mental illnesses which it would not be more expedient to treat in the primary or social sector because of the need for specialist knowledge, equipment or intensive care and monitoring.

The Health Service Organisation Registry (Danish: Sundhedsvæsenets Organisationsregister - SOR) includes organisation and address information for the public and private Hospitals in Denmark.