My GP receptionist's ask 'why' patients want to see their Dr as practise policy.

In some ways it is better if the GP hits the ground running by knowing where to start. I had an appointment yesterday which was a total waste of time as the (new, young) GP spent about 80% of the time trawling my notes on screen and then said the appointment had timed out so she would get back in touch. This after waiting several weeks to get through the door in the first place!

I just say "It's a follow up appointment." They have never quibbled it, even though it might be complete nonsense!

We have to fill in a Klinic form, which is submitted to a panel(?) and the severity estimated and an appointment awarded. A friend had a painful toe, which he could not see or reach easily; all he wanted was for a quick glance and medication, or thorn removed, which a practice nurse could have done. No, her services dispensed with; appt. arrived after 16 days by which time a paramedic friend had dealt with it, infection near a cut.

Ohh- I think that is totally unacceptable. I’d be inclined to tell them it is confidential between the Gp and yourself. I would definitely lodge a complaint.They are not allowed to ask questions like that where I live, they would be dismissed from their job.

Doctors receptionist, crowded waiting room! Good grief OP, are you posting from the past. These are things I can only dream of these days. If (and that's a big if) you do get an appointment at our surgery, you see a nurse practitioner not a doctor and quite frankly you could be dead in the time it takes to arrange even that. The whole system is broken.

I can't complain about the surgery in my area. Over the last few years I have had two phone appointments with a doctor who rang me back within a few hours. When I rang to see a doctor I had an appointment the following day.
I usually have to tell the receptionist about my symptoms but as she was a nurse I don't feel uncomfortable with that. I always ring. I wouldn't want to explain in the surgery as other people are around.

Babs03

Have realised that GPS surgeries vary widely in different parts of the country. Where we live GPS surgeries are pretty dire, we used to think of changing practice but they all have terrible reviews. We often don’t get to see a GP but a nurse practitioner instead, there isn’t a choice, it’s what is available, that’s if we get to see anyone. We have to ring dead on 8 and are then told our place in the queue, the last time I rang was number 25 in the queue, I hung up.
The one time I really needed to see a GP I couldn’t get an appointment so was told by the receptionist to go to A&E.
That is how bad it is here.
Am shocked when I read of how good it is in other parts of the country. Can only say ‘lucky, lucky people.’

Ours is like that quite often, but for non urgent appts I use online services and if urgent hang on the phone

We have a large surgery, more like a medical centre, the reason for asking is so an appt can be made with the most appropriate person.

We are very lucky. Engage consult works a treat. You have to send the request in early but if it is urgent there is another route. Your request is acknowledged straight away and then before the end of the day you receive a phone call. If they think it’s urgent a face to face appointment is made for the same day or you have a telephone consultation. I have no complaints. I know we are lucky. Apparently the health centre in another nearby town is appalling.

Ours is e consult too. Last week I sent one in and I got a call back in a few minutes and an appointment a couple of hours later. I was amazed at the speed.

My gp has a lengthy recorded message when you phone, mostly trying to steer you onto online options.

The message does explain though that the "care navigators" will ask you about your problem so that they can ensure you see the right person.

It also says you don't have to say, if you don't want to.

We cannot make any appointments for anything! I haven’t seen a GP since before Covid I honestly believe us oldies don’t stand a chance at getting care. We have econsult which is switched on at 8am and by 8.05 won’t accept any further requests. I think all the whizz kids get any available appointments as they are quick on their iPhones. We are a small town BUT they keep building more houses and Drs can’t cope now.GP says contact 111 if urgent.

Charleygirl5

If only we could book online. Where I live it is the 25th in queue and worse, when I do wait, the phone keeps ringing. I have not seen a GP since before Covid. A few weeks ago I had an infected ear, was given antibiotics at A&E and my ear was inspected down the phone! Work that one out.

Same for us.
We cannot see a GP.
Is outrageous.

I just say it's an ongoing problem. Never had any further questions and it's the truth not me being coy.

Good grief Sago, that is terrible!

I went into my surgery to request blood tests, it took them 26 days to get back to me.
It’s quite astonishing.

I make (or try to) appointments by phone and we've had to explain the reason to receptionists for ages now. I hated it at first but am used to it now.
It's rare to be granted a face to face, but almost always it's just a phone appointment now, and even then it's usually a few days before the doc actually does phone.
I understand that the NHS is under pressure and I know how wonderful it is in many ways, but trying to see a GP these days is downright frustrating.

growstuff

There's a big sign at my GP's reception, which says that a private space is available if people want to speak the receptionist in confidence. I've used it.

Likewise at ours. Sometimes it’s just a case of going into the receptionists office, so you’re not announcing it through the screen and being asked to repeat things, but I have actually been given a private room on a couple of occasions.

If only we could book online. Where I live it is the 25th in queue and worse, when I do wait, the phone keeps ringing. I have not seen a GP since before Covid. A few weeks ago I had an infected ear, was given antibiotics at A&E and my ear was inspected down the phone! Work that one out.

We are not allowed to make an appointment at reception. We can ring or book online. If you ring there is a long queue and you might get cut off. Online, you can now book an actual slot with a specific doctor! You have to give a brief reason, and they decide whether they need to see you or if a phone call will do.
This is a new system, and works well for non- urgent matters.

If you ring, I think it depends on who you are and how you behave. My late husband always got an appointment with a specific doctor without a long delay. He had multiple health conditions, and she knew him well. After he died I had a lovely phone call from her, and a card and note from the surgery. I can’t imagine they do that for everybody.
Some people are incredibly rude to the receptionists. Mind you, one of the receptionists is very rude to patients.

I think it’s dreadful having to explain to the receptionist the reason for your visit! I’ve never encountered this and would, like you, be extremely uncomfortable especially in front of a room of other patients also waiting. I’ve no wish to hear the reason for their visit, just as I’ve no reason for them to know mine. I’m not in the UK, though. I think this is extremely insensitive.

Have realised that GPS surgeries vary widely in different parts of the country. Where we live GPS surgeries are pretty dire, we used to think of changing practice but they all have terrible reviews. We often don’t get to see a GP but a nurse practitioner instead, there isn’t a choice, it’s what is available, that’s if we get to see anyone. We have to ring dead on 8 and are then told our place in the queue, the last time I rang was number 25 in the queue, I hung up.
The one time I really needed to see a GP I couldn’t get an appointment so was told by the receptionist to go to A&E.
That is how bad it is here.
Am shocked when I read of how good it is in other parts of the country. Can only say ‘lucky, lucky people.’

The General Medical Council state that "Respecting patient confidentiality is an essential part of good care". Asking you to share personal medical info in a waiting room IMO breaches confidentiality. I would write to the manager if I were you .

BlueBelle

Can’t you do it by email ? Allira if I send an email by 8 am I have an answer by about 11 either to book me an appointment or give me a script or arrange a phone call with a doctor

Only for non-urgent appointments Bluebelle.

Can’t you do it by email ? Allira if I send an email by 8 am I have an answer by about 11 either to book me an appointment or give me a script or arrange a phone call with a doctor