Outpatient appointment

[rosieapple]

I've got my first outpatient appointment soon and was wondering what to expect.Will they do any further tests (i.e. blood etc) or will it just be a chat to plan what to do next or discuss possible medications?

i will ring the dr's secretary next week but am impatient and want an idea of what to expect now!

[Robinia]

Sorry but I doubt anyone will be able to help unless you want to disclose which department of the hospital you'll be visiting. If they've sent a letter for your appointment they usually give a few brief details or a number to ring if you wish to know anything.

[WendyS]

You will probably wait in a queue of 40 people who have all been given an appointment for the same time, so plan on a long visit ! You will probably get five minutes with a harrassed doctor who will possibly take your blood pressure and (if appropriate) send you to another dept for an Xray or blood tests which will take another hour. You may also have to book another appointment for more tests if it's a stomach/internal problem which may necessitate another wait of several weeks. Whatever is your problem, it may not be diagnosed on your first visit. The NHS is wonderful in an emergency but I'm afraid it often doesn,'t in my experience, offer any instant solutions so be prepared for a long wait for issues to be resolved. Good Luck