Nhs Offers Appointments With A Doctor Via Webcam

[naomi24]

//The NHS is offering appointments with a doctor via computer webcam rather than in person to reduce the time patients must wait to see a GP.//

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/09/20/the-doctor-will-see-you-now--via-webcam/

Good idea, or not?

[jno]

Jeremy Hunt wants me to have a smartphone/webcam? I have neither. He'd be more use if he just provided GPs.

[Old_Geezer]

Sounds like a fop to me. Can't be as useful as being there to be examined, and will still take up GP time. It's claimed to reduce waiting times but you'll still be waiting, just at home. I already arrive for my appointments on time - no real difference to logging in on time. Sounds like we are expected to stay at home and never leave these days; maybe it's a plan to get rid of having to pay for surgeries altogether to save money. The doc can be at home, you can be at home, and the advice will be based on not even being with you. May as well just offer an online form for symptoms and let a AI database decide what's up. Could save the GP's salaries as well then.

[Gromit]

GPs have just 10 minutes to see each patient. That is usually enough time for the the patient to ask for anitibiotics, antidepressants etc and the doctor to write a perscription. Proper examinations rarely take place anyway.

If patients sign up for wecam consultations, then they must get a six-monthy more thorough check up, in the bargain.

However, If the object is to save time for the GP, the it is bound to be a failure. If you make it easier to see a doctor, the service will be used more, not less. The appointment process at the moment seems design to stem demand by making getting an appointment very difficult. Take away those obstacles, and the demands on GPs time will rocket.

[waterboatman]

Not for me. I like face to face.

[Gromit]

Waterboatman,
Don't think the doctor will be mooning you on screen.

[agchristie]

It reminds me of the Two Ronnies sketch in the surgery where Ronnie Barker's face appears on the TV screen!

At least the patient wouldn't have to insert a disk into the drive so that everything gets muddled up and suddenly a Space Invaders screen appears!

[mikey4444]

Jeremy Hunt will continue to fiddle while the NHS burns as long as he allowed to do so. He should be concentrating on solving problems, not faffing about like this.

Like jno says...we need Doctors, not gimmicks.

[youngmafbog]

These things were bound to come, it is called progress. For those that dont have a smart phone/web cam fine, you'll just have to wait.

Of course Gromits point about using the service more could become an issue so I guess it would still be an appointment for the webcam consultation.

At my GP's though I can usually get same day appointments even early (7:30is) ones.

One thing they should do it ban retired folk and those on the dole from early/late and weekend appointments.

[youngmafbog]

More doctors costs more money and money, contrary to most left wingers beliefs, does not grow on trees.

You going to stump up Mickey?

[EDDIE51]

Looks like a good idea to me. I would think at least 75% of doctors appointments could be handled this way. If the doctor thinks a personal examination is necessary the patient can be called into the surgery.

[Sqad]

It is AB on the NHS........except one is guaranteed professional advice rather than anecdotal posts mixed up with internet links,which are usual nothing to do with the OP.

AB posters have been criticized for this type of medical care and now it has been made official.

It is a good idea as most problems beset a GP are trivia and could be dealt with by a 5th year medical student, as is the case with AB (Body and Soul).

The NHS is too expensive.....staff salaries are too high (thanks to the Unions) and the system is and has been for the past 25 years...BROKE...no money.

[agchristie]

Dr: How can I help you today madam?

Patient: I am suffering from a terrible dose of Skype..

[naomi24]

I think it's quite a good idea. Very often people just need advice. I'd use it for that.

[Old_Geezer]

We all already stump up. There needs to be a good drains up on what the money is being used for and why some countries claim to do more with less.

The wait will not change; the location, journey and service level will.

Examinations do go on in the surgery, the issue is the time allowed. If like me you don't want to be there umpteen times regularly and put up with a lot , putting it down to old age, until there is so much you feel an incentive to go get it all sorted, suddenly it's a case of, no you can't do that. You can't book a double appointment, you can't go over time, you can't get the service you really want. That won't change either.

[Old_Geezer]

Advice. Hmm I can give myself advice. I want cures and things fixed.

[mikey4444]

"For those that don't have a smart phone/web cam fine, you'll just have to wait.

Kind of says it all, doesn't it !

[youngmafbog]

Yes it does. If you refuse to move with the times then you have to accept the consequences.

OG, 'we already stump up', yes but not enough for the service some of you desire.

[naomi24]

Mikey, let's not be over-dramatic here. Face to face appointments aren't being abolished. Those who don't have a smart phone/web cam can still book an appointment at the surgery. I quite like the idea of not having to turn up at the surgery.

[agchristie]

The population is living longer. There'a a lot of over 60's who don't have smartphones/pc's.

Not really an all inclusive service..

[mikey4444]

"One thing they should do it ban retired folk and those on the dole from early/late and weekend appointments"

In other words, poor people can begger off...

"I am just as ill as you but I am more important because I am wealthier"