Well this is a new one...

[Purple_Popple]

just returned from seeing my doc and when i told him the problem, he went onto 'Patient UK' website and printed me off some things to do at home to help alleviate my symptoms. No examination, nothing. I could have done this myself at home.

[rich47]

still no avatar rsvp?

[rsvp]

rich - er no? is it req'd and why the interest?

[Ann]

Some older doctors are quite sarcastic if you tell them what you think is the matter with you. I have found the younger doctors are much different, they positively encourage you to express opinions and seem to applaud you having a little knowledge even if it is something from the internet. They then proceed to put your mind at rest by offering blood tests in connection with what you are afraid you have got .....

[Caran]

About 6 years ago I was taken ill in France whilst on holiday, diagnosed as having Vasculitis. Attended hospital for tests, given medication. On returning home went to doctors to get things put on my medical records. Doctor said I don't believe you had that. I had all the documentation from France regarding hospital treatment. So whjat do you do? I just avoid this doctor in the practice.

[Mosaic]

RSVP: I don't discuss my symptoms with the receptionist. That's why she won't help me get appointments.

[anneasquith]

i refuse to give any " symptoms " to anyone but the doc. mention the internet and my gp " rolls his eyes heavenwards " !

[piggynose]

i use to pop into my local chemist years ago if i thought it wasn´t life threatening, it was a lot quicker, and just as good.

[chrissa1]

I don't think anyone has discussed the age of these doctors who "google".

[rsvp]

mosaic, I was agreeing with you about not giving your symptoms to the receptionist - methinks some of them get a power complex and treat the Doc as their personal possession, only to be accessed if they give the green light!

[Sqad]

A ruthless receptionist is essential.....the function of the doctor is to consult with his patient undisturbed in the consulting room. not taking phone calls without them being intercepted, or listening to often fatuous symptoms by "drop in" patients.

Let the DR get on with his work uninterrupted so that he can see more patients in the times allotted.

[Eve]

My new doctors (they shut my old one down and transferred us) have a great system. You can't ring up and just make an appointment, they ask you what the problem is then book you in for a telephone appointment with a doctor or nurse who then decides if you need an appointment, just a prescription etc... The first time I rang in I was initially booked straight in for a blood test first then a GP appointment for when the tests would be back, all sorted in a quick phone call without having to take up an appointment to then be sent for a blood test. Another time they just wrote a prescription for me to collect later that day (previous problem so no need for an appointment). Must save them a lot of time dealing with some things quickly over the phone rather than allocating a set time appointment, especially with the amount of people who just don't turn up.

I'd seen the internet searching a few times. I did have to wonder at one male Dr who couldn't speak very good English at all (ended up having to write some stuff down for him) and had to look up PMT symptoms on the net which I didn't think was promising. This is the surgery they shut down though!

[rsvp]

I agree with you sqad - the function of a doctor is to consiult with his/her patients - which is precisely why I'll do just that.. consult with him/her and not with a receptionist in what may well be a crowded waiting room.

[SKA]

My mates a Dr and she has her iPhone with her at all times she just steps out uses some medical app and hey presto.... job done!!

[askyourgran]

Getting past the receptionist really gets me mad. "Is it urgent? What's the problem" Me: "I'm ringing because I'd like an appointment to see a doctor", "You'll have to ring back at 8am tomorrow" Me "I already did".