are GPs becoming administraters

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

Good on the GP for not just issueing repeat prescriptions.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Now the Guardian has picked up on the story.

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.

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

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

One Gran's token could be another's food money

I am afraid I also would object to paying to see the GP. !

I suppose it also depends on how often you visit your GP.

I was so embarrassed yesterday.

I had an appointment for an x ray on Tuesday and my hubbies writing is so bad the t and u looked like a w. I mentioned my x ray and he said 'Oh b----r that was yesterday wasn't it'

When I attended yesterday I fessed up and said how greatful I was for the quick appointment but I honestly felt like I should have been charged for my 'no show' the day before especially as I harp on about the cost to the NHS of non attendence .

I am going to send £10 to Cancer Research.

There are a lot of these dry thickly coughs around, antihistamine is worth trying, it works for me with the added bonus that as I take it at bedtime I also get a good nights sleep!

I've never understood how 'no-shows' cost the NHS money - millions if we are to believe the headlines.

Most clinics are overbooked, the consultation time is very short, and it's rare to be seen on time - in reality a few no-shows are a good thing.

The health authorities probably use a crude method of accounting .... say each consultation cost £50 then multiply that by the number of people who don't turn up, hence they cost the NHS so many million.

I've never been a no-show by the way, just questioning the headlines.

Yes, the good nights sleep is an added bonus Brenda.

We are so used to paying at the dentist. Why should going to the Dr be any different really? Or should we not have to pay at the dentist? I feel confused about the whys and wherefores of this!

Gaga as I've said on a previous thread on this subject, very few people would be obliged to pay ...... by the time you exclude seniors, unemployed, pregnant, children, etc only people like me, still working and not yet receiving OAP would be obliged to pay.

Would anyone be prepared to pay a voluntary fee if they fell into a free category?

All very well advocating a charge to see the GP if one doesn't personally have to pay!