Doctor App

[fraserstuart]

hi just trying to find out how long it takes in your area to get a doctors appointment ive been quoted 3 weeks,is this becoming the norm? this was for a doctor i visited on a last app and was told come back and see him ta

[MargoTester]

Usually over two weeks here if you want to see a particular doctor. They say you can ring in the morning to get an appointment for that day - the only problem being that the phones are permanently engaged from the moment the surgery opens!

[woofgang]

If I am told at an appointment that the same doctor wants to see me and at what interval, I can make an appointment as I leave the surgery. Other than that I can get a same day appointment if needed after phone triage or get phone advice with a doctor or nurse. With recurring minor issues, I can also get a prescription after a phone consultation. I can also book an appointment online, with my choice of doctor it will vary, with any doctor average would be a week although it can be much sooner. I really like the setup, it treats me like an adult able to make my own choices...I think they have found that the more options they offer, the less the system gets misused.

[Old_Geezer]

Here it depends on what you are prepared to accept. Usually one can come in one the same day and see whoever is in the surgery. But if you want a specific doctor from the practice then I'm unsure. I never worried about who I saw, just that I was seen when I needed attention, and not expected to stay ill long enough without getting worse until the specified doctor fits me in.

[woofgang]

I just checked. first routine appointment is in one week’s time, 8 slots over 2 doctors

[jennyjoan]

My next appointment is 4 weeks time.

[ladyalex]

We can usually get one on the day with whichever Dr is available....we cannot choose which one....if, and it can be a big if, we can get through on the phone as near to 8:00am as possible. Usually this means a lot of 'ringback' from BT.

Sometimes, it is possible to get an appointment within a couple of days if you phone during the day......sometimes......

I have never been refused an emergency appointment whenever I have phoned.

All of the above are 'pot luck' doctors...which is usually fine as all of them have been pretty good so far.

Trying to book an appointment with a specific Dr is a total nightmare. The only time I managed to do it was whe the Dr in question gave me a chitty to give to the receptionist.....and I still had to phone back to get the appointment as their diaries 'weren't made up further ahead than a fortnight'.
Why on earth not , I wonder? The world is not going to end in the next two weeks and I seriously doubt all of the Drs are going to succumb to some dreadful lurgi ....but what do I know? I expect there is some reason for this....but I'd bet a pound to a pinch of snuff that the reason is for the convenience of the office or medical staff rather than the patients.

I'd love a system where I could book online.....but I am afraid that seems very unlikely as my practice's website still has the name of a partner on it who retired over a year ago......

So, the system is OK but nowhere near good, never mind perfect.

[Samuraisan]

I don't know about the UK, but here you go on to NHS website, enter your ss number, and usually can get an appointment the same day or next, or whenever you want. Plus you always see the same GP, unless you wish to change. If you prefer you can do it by phone. Just thought you'd be interested !

[Buenchico]

'Same day' appointments are always available here, with telephone consultations (as well as online booking) also on offer:
http://www.needhamsurgery.co.uk/making-appointments.aspx?t=1

[Jackdaw33]

Oh, for the good old days. My doctor used to open his surgery at 9.30 and close the doors at 10.30. Anyone in the waiting room at that time would be seen. Same in the evening.

[-SharonA-]

2 weeks for me. If you want to see a doctor the same day, it has to be an emergency! ie: at death's door!

[Postdog]

Same day usually. Longer if you want a specific doctor.

[Tilly2]

My doctor works part time so I usually have to wait a couple of weeks to see her.