are GPs becoming administraters

I would mind very much paying a token charge to see my GP, as good as she is, they are already extremely well-paid.

I wouldn't mind paying a token charge to see my GP.

Strange you should say that mcm after reading a thread on here about effects of pollens I decided to put myself on a low dose of an OTC antihistamine last week. I'd suffered headaches, blocked sinuses and a cough which was worse at night. This has gone on for over a month.

My symptoms have virtually gone too.

www.theguardian.com/society/2014/may/07/gps-vote-charging-patients-appointments

Now the Guardian has picked up on the story.

Brenda Over the last week or two I've started taking antihistamine for 'runny nose' mild hay fever. You've made me wonder if that's helped the cough too, as it has virtually gone.

I take a strong NSAID and wanted to trial for a month a half dose to see if I am ok. I have to see the GP for this rather than just getting the lower dose for a month. I could just divide current pill in too but that reminds me about what I am attempting and defeats my efforts. So I waste the GP's time.
I too have a persistent cough all winter for several years and have had all the tests which were clear. High doses of steroids three years ago, as the cough was deemed an allergic reaction, caused cataracts and I how take a one a day antihistamine which cuts the amount of coughing in half.

Very happy that my GP , not satisfied that anti-b's and steroids had failed to shift a persistent cough and chest infection, decided to investigate further. A chest x-ray was clear and a discussion with practice nurse meant a month with inhalers and peak flow meter to monitor breathing. 3 blood tests tracked the infection and yesterday I was told that the last vestiges have cleared. Also had spirometry tests for COPD which showed all's well. I'm delighted with my treatment and made the acquaintance of 2 very pleasant practice nurses.

We are called in regularly for six monthly blood pressure check ups one of those includes a fasting blood test.These are carried out by a nurse. We do not get to see our GP unless we first of all ring the surgery, speak to the receptionist who takes a note of our troubles, passes these to the doctor, who then rings us to ascertain the facts, and decides over the phone whether we need an appointment, or if just leaving a prescription is all that is necessary. The pharmacist checks our regular prescriptions annually. Not a very satisfying state of affairs, but there is very little we can do about it.

pulsetoday.msgfocus.com/c/11UQ5Sa7b3hts00ToAavSxd

GPs are going to discuss whether to charge us for going to see them at their next conference. The comments by GPs are interesing at the bottom of the article.

My prescription states I should have a drug review annually but when I asked GP about it he said it wasn't necessary as I was seeing the nurse every six months for a BP check. I was a little perplexed by his reasoning but I bow to his superior knowledge.

You have had COPD for 40 years? You must have been smoking heavily in the infant class!

On the same prescription for 40 years? Isn't it possible that there is a more effective medication available after all this time? My prescription states an annual review date - in May, I think - and I appreciate that there are good reasons for this. COPD is a serious condition and in your place I would be grateful for my doctor's vigilance.

Without the 6 month check, you could be worse without knowing it. Your medication to help that condition could be affecting something else.

You are lucky that your GP takes the trouble to check. Some don't bother and things are beyond curing by the time they are diagnosed. These checks take time and trouble, they would not be scheduled if they were not necessary. Keep your appointment and smile at your busy doctor.

Good on the GP for not just issueing repeat prescriptions.

I think it is good that your GP wants to actually check you in person now and again.