Making an appointment to see a Doctor
Discussion
So, I was in town doing some stuff, thought I'd call in at the doc's to make an appointment.
Me: Hi, I'd like to make an appointment please
Receptionist: Well, I can make you an appointment now but it'll likely be for in about 4 weeks, or I can make an appointment with the Dr to ring you and if he feels the need, he can book you in, possibly sooner
Me: Erm, right, umkay, I have have a lump on my chest that I want someone to have a poke at...
R: I'll get the Dr to ring you...
Off I go then and not 5 minutes later the doctor rings me (I struggle to answer my phone yet the insides of my pocket seem to have no bother opening and using apps)
I speak to the doc, he agrees that I need to see him and then makes me an appointment, for the 10th of Jan', three weeks away!
What the actual f
k? 
How is the new system any better than me just making an appointment like I used to? If there's a doc free to make calls, could he not just see me, I was right there FFS!
Yours, lumpy and bewildered, north yorks, aged 36 and three quarters.
Me: Hi, I'd like to make an appointment please
Receptionist: Well, I can make you an appointment now but it'll likely be for in about 4 weeks, or I can make an appointment with the Dr to ring you and if he feels the need, he can book you in, possibly sooner
Me: Erm, right, umkay, I have have a lump on my chest that I want someone to have a poke at...
R: I'll get the Dr to ring you...
Off I go then and not 5 minutes later the doctor rings me (I struggle to answer my phone yet the insides of my pocket seem to have no bother opening and using apps)
I speak to the doc, he agrees that I need to see him and then makes me an appointment, for the 10th of Jan', three weeks away!
What the actual f
k? How is the new system any better than me just making an appointment like I used to? If there's a doc free to make calls, could he not just see me, I was right there FFS!
Yours, lumpy and bewildered, north yorks, aged 36 and three quarters.
OP, is there a walk-in surgery nearby? I've used them a few times and found them to be pretty good.
Seems to be a chronically under provisioned service. My surgery opens at 8:00, I had it on auto redial until 8:45. Constantly engaged. Even if you do get through, the battleaxes manning the lines will likely fob you off unless it's an emergency.
Seems to be a chronically under provisioned service. My surgery opens at 8:00, I had it on auto redial until 8:45. Constantly engaged. Even if you do get through, the battleaxes manning the lines will likely fob you off unless it's an emergency.
Edited by budgie smuggler on Friday 20th December 15:27
Anubis said:
If you think it is serious go to A+E. You get idiots there all the time - "sorry doc, i got drunk last night and smacked my head on a lamppost" and so on.
I'm sure a lump on your chest is a worthy thing to look at asap.
No, go to a walk in centre. A&E is for life threatening injuries.I'm sure a lump on your chest is a worthy thing to look at asap.
BOBTEE said:
I know it needs looking at, that's why I wanted an appointment, I just don't get why they have docs ringing people to make an appointment when the receptionist could do it!?
It's not A&E serious...
Sounds like your local practice is immensely over-subscribed, which is a shame. Have a look for a local drop-in centre, they're designed to take the not-quite-A&E-worthy, but still worth checking stuff.It's not A&E serious...
Yes, its a fking joke.
I asked what the point of a doctors was if I couldn't book in to see someone within a few days, so now I just go to my local walk in place which you can get an appt at as long as its not totally trivial.
And as mentioned above, the women they employ on the phones and desks at these places are often total dicks.
The whole GP system seems designed for the jobless person with no engagements in their lives.
king joke.I asked what the point of a doctors was if I couldn't book in to see someone within a few days, so now I just go to my local walk in place which you can get an appt at as long as its not totally trivial.
And as mentioned above, the women they employ on the phones and desks at these places are often total dicks.
The whole GP system seems designed for the jobless person with no engagements in their lives.
BOBTEE said:
I know it needs looking at, that's why I wanted an appointment, I just don't get why they have docs ringing people to make an appointment when the receptionist could do it!?
Usually threads about doctor's receptionists are people complaining about how nosey they are. You've spoken to a doctor and have an appointment sooner than you would have done.Mines like that and it's a PITA.
(This was a couple weeks ago) Phone up on a morning for a injury I've had for the last week.
"Is it urgent"
Me: "errrrrrrmmmm.......... well I could wait a day or two but I'd like to see someone if I can"
"Next appointment is in 3 weeks time"
Me: "erm yes it is urgent it's really hurting"
I have to lie to get an appointment sooner, 3 weeks time I know I won't have that injury. Nothing serious for those who care
When I turn up it's people with colds! Ffs....... anyway how can you plan an illness for 3 weeks time?
(This was a couple weeks ago) Phone up on a morning for a injury I've had for the last week.
"Is it urgent"
Me: "errrrrrrmmmm.......... well I could wait a day or two but I'd like to see someone if I can"
"Next appointment is in 3 weeks time"
Me: "erm yes it is urgent it's really hurting"
I have to lie to get an appointment sooner, 3 weeks time I know I won't have that injury. Nothing serious for those who care
When I turn up it's people with colds! Ffs....... anyway how can you plan an illness for 3 weeks time?
I think the systems broken.
Some people (me) abhor the Doctors and do everything we can to avoid them. When we do need them we get the third degree and three week treatment.
Others go to the Doctors at least once a week. Family friend (nice people), but the biggest hypochondriac I have ever known. A cold will send them to the doctors. I'm not convinced I even believe them when they say they have antibiotics, as they must be taking them permanently.
Of course, you would think family has it's privileges.
My grandfather was a GP. As a treat when we were ill, we'd get to queue in the waiting room to see him, or more commonly one of his partners.
Both of my aunts were nurses, one of them a District Nurse. My brother was always constipated. He did not enjoy visits to my aunts!
My mother in-law is a Doctors receptionist. Daughter suddenly grew spots as we were going away, discovered at our in-law overnight stop. Under pressure, rather than ringing her surgery and asking if they could take a look, we were thrown on the mercy of a walk-in clinic (who mis-diagnosed chicken pox).
Some people (me) abhor the Doctors and do everything we can to avoid them. When we do need them we get the third degree and three week treatment.
Others go to the Doctors at least once a week. Family friend (nice people), but the biggest hypochondriac I have ever known. A cold will send them to the doctors. I'm not convinced I even believe them when they say they have antibiotics, as they must be taking them permanently.
Of course, you would think family has it's privileges.
My grandfather was a GP. As a treat when we were ill, we'd get to queue in the waiting room to see him, or more commonly one of his partners.
Both of my aunts were nurses, one of them a District Nurse. My brother was always constipated. He did not enjoy visits to my aunts!
My mother in-law is a Doctors receptionist. Daughter suddenly grew spots as we were going away, discovered at our in-law overnight stop. Under pressure, rather than ringing her surgery and asking if they could take a look, we were thrown on the mercy of a walk-in clinic (who mis-diagnosed chicken pox).
BOBTEE said:
So, I was in town doing some stuff, thought I'd call in at the doc's to make an appointment.
Me: Hi, I'd like to make an appointment please
Receptionist: Well, I can make you an appointment now but it'll likely be for in about 4 weeks, or I can make an appointment with the Dr to ring you and if he feels the need, he can book you in, possibly sooner
Me: Erm, right, umkay, I have have a lump on my chest that I want someone to have a poke at...
R: I'll get the Dr to ring you...
Off I go then and not 5 minutes later the doctor rings me (I struggle to answer my phone yet the insides of my pocket seem to have no bother opening and using apps)
I speak to the doc, he agrees that I need to see him and then makes me an appointment, for the 10th of Jan', three weeks away!
What the actual fk?
How is the new system any better than me just making an appointment like I used to? If there's a doc free to make calls, could he not just see me, I was right there FFS!
Yours, lumpy and bewildered, north yorks, aged 36 and three quarters.
How long have you had said "lump"Me: Hi, I'd like to make an appointment please
Receptionist: Well, I can make you an appointment now but it'll likely be for in about 4 weeks, or I can make an appointment with the Dr to ring you and if he feels the need, he can book you in, possibly sooner
Me: Erm, right, umkay, I have have a lump on my chest that I want someone to have a poke at...
R: I'll get the Dr to ring you...
Off I go then and not 5 minutes later the doctor rings me (I struggle to answer my phone yet the insides of my pocket seem to have no bother opening and using apps)
I speak to the doc, he agrees that I need to see him and then makes me an appointment, for the 10th of Jan', three weeks away!
What the actual f
k? How is the new system any better than me just making an appointment like I used to? If there's a doc free to make calls, could he not just see me, I was right there FFS!
Yours, lumpy and bewildered, north yorks, aged 36 and three quarters.
Has said lump changed?
Is it painful?
The fact that you were "in town doing some stuff " and thought you'd call at the doctors would lead to a priority of perhaps 1 on a scale going up to 10.
For my part I'm glad the doc treated your "lump" with the same casualness that you did
BOBTEE said:
I know it needs looking at, that's why I wanted an appointment, I just don't get why they have docs ringing people to make an appointment when the receptionist could do it!?
It's not A&E serious...
it's abundantly clear that both the concept of triage and the high levels of none attendance in some practices have passed you by ... It's not A&E serious...
Change doctors?
Ours has a system where you call at 8am and get a slot that morning whenever there's one free. You sometimes have to ring a few times to get through but it invariably works out very well.
Doesn't clash with work as if you're ringing to see the doc then you're not well enough to work.
Anything non serious and you can book a telephone appt within the week.
You could also try asking to see the practice nurse first?
GP surgeries are private enterprises though, if you think they're st then vote with your feet and move...assuming you can obv.
Ours has a system where you call at 8am and get a slot that morning whenever there's one free. You sometimes have to ring a few times to get through but it invariably works out very well.
Doesn't clash with work as if you're ringing to see the doc then you're not well enough to work.
Anything non serious and you can book a telephone appt within the week.
You could also try asking to see the practice nurse first?
GP surgeries are private enterprises though, if you think they're s
t then vote with your feet and move...assuming you can obv.surveyor said:
<snip>
Others go to the Doctors at least once a week. Family friend (nice people), but the biggest hypochondriac I have ever known. A cold will send them to the doctors. I'm not convinced I even believe them when they say they have antibiotics, as they must be taking them permanently.
/snip
hence the reasons for screening and triage in well run practices...Others go to the Doctors at least once a week. Family friend (nice people), but the biggest hypochondriac I have ever known. A cold will send them to the doctors. I'm not convinced I even believe them when they say they have antibiotics, as they must be taking them permanently.
/snip
smiffy180 said:
Mines like that and it's a PITA.
(This was a couple weeks ago) Phone up on a morning for a injury I've had for the last week.
"Is it urgent"
Me: "errrrrrrmmmm.......... well I could wait a day or two but I'd like to see someone if I can"
"Next appointment is in 3 weeks time"
Me: "erm yes it is urgent it's really hurting"
I have to lie to get an appointment sooner, 3 weeks time I know I won't have that injury. Nothing serious for those who care
When I turn up it's people with colds! Ffs....... anyway how can you plan an illness for 3 weeks time?
If you've had it for a week, it isn't urgent (This was a couple weeks ago) Phone up on a morning for a injury I've had for the last week.
"Is it urgent"
Me: "errrrrrrmmmm.......... well I could wait a day or two but I'd like to see someone if I can"
"Next appointment is in 3 weeks time"
Me: "erm yes it is urgent it's really hurting"
I have to lie to get an appointment sooner, 3 weeks time I know I won't have that injury. Nothing serious for those who care
When I turn up it's people with colds! Ffs....... anyway how can you plan an illness for 3 weeks time?
; if it will be gone in 3 weeks then it isn't urgent . Considered Paracetamol and taking it easy as you seem to know what to do?Sorry
, this reads as a flaming and as heartless 
, but I'm playing Devil's Advocaat as a GP receptionist/Administrator - but it's not as "black and white" as the questioning you describe, and suitable questioning would get an outcome you'd (probably) be happy with 
.I can usually offer a GP appointment the same day, or the next day at the worse
, but I appreciate not all GP Practices can offer this for whatever reason .It's not so much having to wait weeks, although that is poor, (in my own work I'm with customers, usually, within an hour of them calling) it's having a doctor call me when he could be treating some one, I knew and the receptionist knew I need to be seen. And I know it's not urgent and I've been casual about it, I didn't expect to be seen right away, I'm a bloke I've been putting it off for fear of finding out what it is!
It seems to me to be an arse about tit way of going about things.
It seems to me to be an arse about tit way of going about things.
BOBTEE said:
It's not so much having to wait weeks, although that is poor, (in my own work I'm with customers, usually, within an hour of them calling) it's having a doctor call me when he could be treating some one, I knew and the receptionist knew I need to be seen. And I know it's not urgent and I've been casual about it, I didn't expect to be seen right away, I'm a bloke I've been putting it off for fear of finding out what it is!
It seems to me to be an arse about tit way of going about things.
Regardless of the fact that these phone triage assessments are vert efficient in terms of the time it takes to make them and it's an effective way of prioritising need and be able to screen out those who are better served by either simple treatment obtainable from your local pharmacy or conversely better served by a Minor Injuries service or the Emergency Dept.It seems to me to be an arse about tit way of going about things.
BOBTEE said:
It's not so much having to wait weeks, although that is poor, (in my own work I'm with customers, usually, within an hour of them calling) it's having a doctor call me when he could be treating some one.
The system allows the doctor to call you he is free. I would be very surprise if your doctor is sitting there twiddling his thumbs waiting for a message from the receptionist. Most likely he is doing paperwork (processing patient results, signing prescriptions and processing prescription requests that admin can't deal with, reading hospital letters to see if patients need new medication/be seen e.t.c.) and/or telephone consultations (some patients' problems can be dealt with over the phone) and he has called you in between these tasks.I assume you are paid per job that you do for your customers. If you have more jobs you get more money and can afford more staff to keep your response time down. Your GP is paid a fixed amount (about £70 per year) per patient registered with him so cannot hire another doctor to reduce waiting time if his patient numbered remain the same but the patient wants to be seen more frequently/quickly.
GPs can also earn a bit more by ensuring his patients are vaccinate with the NHS funded vaccines (childhood vaccines, flu etc). Teaching, minor surgery, cervical smear, NHS health check and a few other services also attract a little more income.
From these income, GPs have to pay their receptionists, secretary, scanner (scan in paperwork into patient med records), practice manager, cleaner, IT support, staff training, insurance, gloves, hand towels, soap, gas, electric etc. The residue is profit for the GP. GP surgeries are small businesses and most GPs have to devote sometime to ensuring it runs efficiently. Like most workplace, there is a lot more going on in the background then what patients/customers see.
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