Booking Gp Appointments

[ladyalex]

Can anyone tell me why it is not possible to book a GP appointment further than 2 weeks in the future ?

I want to organise an appointment for the son-and-heir on 19th December, but I couldn't do it today, I have to phone back on Thursday or possibly Friday.

I suppose there is a reason for it, but I'm a bit mystified.

[rockyracoon]

It's probably to stop the worried well from 'foreseeing' illness and booking appointments to the detriment of people that really need them.

[bednobs]

not at our surgery - i have one for 2014

[murraymints]

They reason if it's too far ahead you'll forget and not turn up...or problem will be resolved and you'll still not turn up...also need to keep space for people who take ill suddenly...and who need appointments immediately...

[pixie373]

Ours make it as difficult as possible. They set a race at 8:30am and 2pm. Whoever wins, gets an appointment . Everyone else gets a message, "you are 121st in the queue" or whatever, on a premium number. No idea how they work their systems out!

[ladyalex]

Thanks, folks.

Sounds as though the surgeries think the worst of people rather than the best.

[Buenchico]

There appear to be some very antiquated appointment systems still around!

We can book an appointment in advance online at any time. We can also use the automated telephone system at any time between 1830 and 0800, or throughout the weekend. (So no long queues on the phone). The only people who need to actually speak to a receptionist (after 0830) are those who want a same-day appointment which, unlike some other places, are always available.

If our local doctors can get it right, why can't others?
http://www.easygp.net/site9339/index.php?section=2199&page_id=14734

[woofgang]

With ours it depends what its for if its a routine thing or a recall then yes you can get an advance appointment. If you need to be seen urgently then its always possible to get a same day appointment with one of the practice.

[Old_Geezer]

Oh for the good old days when one felt ill, turned up, and got seen.

[VHG]

I think it is so the GP can say they meet their "targets".

So they can say that 90% of patients who rung up were seen within 4 hours, when in fact you cant book an appointment more than 4 hours ahead.

Same as pixie, we can only book appointment s 8:30 and 2pm.

If you ring up at 8:30 am and they have no spaces then hard luck.

[China Doll]

Same as Pixi in terms of booking on the day. But I also have an appt in 2014 for an ongoing thing.

[ladyalex]

If I'm lucky enough to phone within the short window or opportunity in the mornings (between 8:00 am and about 8:15) I can get an appointment on the same day.
If it is urgent, I can get an emergency appointment on the day that I phone, even if i have missed the 'window'. But the receptionist always asks what the problem is if I ask for an emergency appointment. She has never refused me one, but it feels like a bit of a threat...plus I might not want to discuss my problems with her.
If I want to book ahead, they can only give me an appointment within the next two weeks.....if there are any available. If the Dr I want to see happens to be one of the part-time ones, I may have to phone several days in succession in order to get an appointment with them two weeks from the day I phone.

I really do not understand why anyone should think that this system is a good one. Before it was introduced it was rare not to get an appointment on the day that you phoned.
I find it quite stressful to phone in the morning continually redialling in the hope of managing to get through before all of the others.
Thanks for all your answers, folks.
Sounds as though the 'two weeks ahead only' rule is not universal and has no particular reason for it.
I really wish our surgery used the system that Buenchico's does ...I would find it so much easier and more efficient.

[Connemmara]

I have just found out today that the doctor I really like to get to - next appointment with him January 2014. But am going to wait on him. Also found out he only sits in the morning time. Why is this - why is he not working all day. I know at the moment he has family probs but receptionist has told me he only works half day now. Now I am thinking of moving doctor but I think most doctors are the same.

[EcclesCake]

I am frequently amazed when I read threads of this ilk and am so grateful for my GP service, not that I us it much!

When I need an appointment I can often get one on the day of ringing or a day of my choosing. They also offer telephone consultations which do need some refinement as the Dr will call at their convenience so that could mean you hanging around the house waiting in their call, giving a window would be better IMHO.

WRT Connes comment, the GPs at my practice cover more than one practice and some do only work part time as they have other commitments. It is entirely up to them how they wish to arrange their working life.

[Connemmara]

sigh - oh for the golden days when a doctor really cared!!!!

[Connemmara]

eccles you are right in that doctors can work to their own discretion but I do believe they are mostly involved in sport pm.

[EcclesCake]

That may well be your suspicion but I of the GPs I know when not in the surgery they are busy teaching, studying, doing charitable work and some sit on the sofa eating cake and watching Neighbours in the afternoon......no doubt a few make it to the park for a kick about at the end of the day though.

[Connemmara]

just throwing my tuppence worth in - we have to order our prescriptions online. I say what about other old critters who don't have internet.