New Gp Appointments

[Purple_Popple]

I really am not keen on a gp calling me back to discuss a health problem to see if i warrant an appointment...sat at my desk in an open plan office waiting for their call and planning somewhere private so I can relay my symptoms...grrrr...

[woofgang]

then don't call them at work.

[2sp_]

I can see why this is a good idea in theory. GPs can triage patients before they set up an appointment. Someone with say, and ingrowing toenail, can wait a day or so but someone with a lump in their breast should be seen asap.

However, I don't like it when the receptionist asks me why I need to speak/see my GP. I feel like I'm being rude or prudish if I don't want to tell her.

For instance, I currently need to see my GP about gynae problems, but don't feel I want to discuss it with the receptionist, who will be having her side of the conversation in the waiting room with lots of ears.

[woofgang]

In those cases I say that it personal.

[2sp_]

I feel really awkward telling the receptionist that it's personal. (I know, I need to grow a backbone.)

[woofgang]

:)

[Sparkles62]

I have the same problem, if you book an appointment at my surgery there is a three week wait,
If you need an appointment any sooner, then you have to ring up at 8 in the morning, to see if they can slot you in that day.
Every morning at 8, i am either sat on a bus, or in a taxi and I dont wish to discuss my medical problems with everybody listening.

[maggiebee]

I must be really lucky with my doctors. Ring up at any time during the day - if I'm willing to see any doctor I'll get an appointment either the same day or the day after. If I want to see a specific doctor I may have to wait 2 days but never more than that. Receptionists never ask question either.

[mccfluff]

i rang last friday to be told no appointments that day and nothing available to be booked for this week but i could ring at 8am for an emergency app.
rang at 8am monday, took about 5 mins to get through, but once i did, i got an app for 4.30 that day, no explanations required.

i must live where the NHS works

[ganesh]

That's when they are open, woofgang! I totally agree pp, and I did that recently to the receptionist who then made me an appointment with a 'nurse who can prescribe medication' only to wait days to see her. She then said I'd better make an appointment with a doctor so had to wait again. Maybe we could use e-mails instead if phone calls, much less embarrassing, easier to work out what to say and get a response in one day.

[Purple_Popple]

Problem is Woofgang im at work when surgery starts. I have no choice. I rang them at 9am and am still waiting a call back. :(

[woofgang]

PP that's just not good enough. :(

[Eve]

My GP surgery has that system and it's fantastic! I just pop somewhere quiet if I need to say something I don't really want colleagues overhearing. I think it saves a lot of appointments as if it's something straightforward then I've often been left a prescription at reception to pick up at my leisure which is great.

It also means that more appointments are kept free so there is much more chance of getting seen on the day if needed and, having spoken to a GP already, they have a much better idea what you are coming in about which can save some time.

I'm not really bothered about giving a receptionist a brief idea of the problem, as they phrase it. I don't think they'd have an issue though if I didn't want to say. I've often said it's just in relation to an ongoing issue which has always been fine.

I always think it gives the GP an idea of what you are ringing about so they have a chance to have a quick look at anything they need to first eg hospital letters, test results, medical history...

[Greedyfly]

I never divulge to the receptionist. It is not their business. I do however like phone appointments as I have long term issues and so my GP knows what is going on. If it was something new I would go to the surgery. My GP can usually always get my in raft day or the next if I'm not fussed who I see.

[boxtops]

It's an excellent idea, but you do need to be somewhere private, it's not everyone's business after all. It saves so much time on GP appointments.

[Purple_Popple]

My GP did call me, at 4.55pm and I was driving. So I shall have to call again tomorrow now. :( You don't get given a time when they will ring you.

[Eve]

We don't get a time, just a rough guide, this morning/afternoon, after a certain time etc... If I have a particular time it's going to be difficult to answer I let them know if I can. I work in open plan but none of them ever seem to have minded me saying I just need to move away from my desk to get somewhere more private.

[Canary42]

Man goes into crowded surgery and receptionist says in a very loud voice, "Have you come about your venereal disease ?"


"No", he replies in an even louder voice, "I want a sex change operation, but not the surgeon who did yours".

[Greedyfly]

My surgery also gives a time that they plan to call. Sorry PP you didn't get sorted

[ganesh]

Eve-"I always think it gives the GP an idea of what you are ringing about so they have a chance to have a quick look at anything they need to first eg hospital letters, test results, medical history..."
Yeah right...For one, they don't even have your full medical history, when I have moved surgery the last three times my notes were never forwarded and I have always had to explain any relevant history. Test results? I have always had to chase these up myself, that's if they haven't lost them, like the x-rays I had done but got lost in the hospital somewhere! I'll tell you what the time is for, checking up things on the internet -cynical, me? I once went to the doctors with strange spots and he and I spent 10 minutes on the internet together looking at pictures of rashes. I have lost all faith in GPs and their new approach to appointments is just a joke. Of course you want privacy pp, that's what we pay for!