changing GP - what about the test that ex-doctor ordered?

Yuvi · 05-16-2003, 02:33 AM

I visited even three doctors in my GP experiencing lots of frustration and disappointment. Last Thursday I went to register to the other GP and only 2 days ago (that's 5 days after registering to the second GP)my blood tests came back to the first GP (after 4 weeks!! and all abnormal) and they asked me to make an appointment with a doctor. Also, a month ago I insisted on getting an ultra sound - yesterday I phoned Middlesex Hospital (North) and they told me that I had been sheduled for 15 July (!!!!). Do you really need to wait for such a long time????!!!!! I am shocked!
Well, my question is: if I changed my GP (I haven't received the letter yet that they promised to send me in a week - still waiting) does it mean that I should cancel my appointment in my first GP? and what about my ultrasound in the hospital? (they might refuse to send results to the other GP won't they?). Could you explain me, please, how NHS work here in the U.K. in case of changing of your GP? (the receptionist did not want to give me my blood test results first but then she asked my doctor - they were asking me what for I needed them - I just told that for myself - so they gave...) Sorry, so long. I greatly appreciate any response and ideas from you. Thank you in advance!!!!
Take care,

Yovita

Deeds2 · 05-16-2003, 07:00 AM

Is the switch within the same surgery? If so it shouldn't be a problem. I'm not sure how it would work if you are going to a new practice.

In our surgery you can see any GP - I go the one I like, who seems to have a bit of compassion, rather than the one I am registered with who couldn't even recognise chickenpox when I had them.

hunterli · 05-16-2003, 07:28 AM

They are your results and you are entitled to see them. Simply ask politely for them, and if they questions why you want them just say "because they are MINE"!

As for the ultrasound .. I suggest you go ahead and keep the appointment in July, when you get there tell them you have changed GP and ask the hospital to send to your new GP. If they refuse (I doubt they would), get them sent to your old GP and then .. see above! ASK for them and don't take NO for an answer!

If it's possible for you, you could phone the hospital and tell them you are available at short notice if they get a cancellation.

Lis

Yuvi · 05-16-2003, 08:35 AM

Thank you, ladies
...but unfortunately today I received a NEGATIVE letter from another GP that I was trying to register with last week.
I know that surgeries don't have to give their reasons why they can't take (or don't want) you on their list - but I have a feeling that a new surgery is likely to refuse you if you wrote them the truth that you were unhappy with your previous surgery.
Sorry, I am a bit confused - until now I thought that GP is "general practise" or surgery means the same thing (I've been living in ther U.K. for 4 years only and have never visited doctor before and had my first appointments this Feb...). Now I see that GP most probably means that one individual doctor "general practitioner", doesn't it? Oh, well, many things to learn...
So, staying with my old GP...

Many thanks to all of you for being here

Yuvi

Deeds2 · 05-16-2003, 11:16 AM

Yuvi, I'm sorry to hear that. Yes GP is the individual doctor. They're a funny lot and probably the suggestion that you weren't happy with one of their breed is enough for them to say no unfortunately.

Try to push for what you are entitled to from your existing practice - have you tried all the doctors based there? I wasn't happy with the one I was registered with so I asked around and now see the one who is most interested in womens health. (She runs the well woman clinic in the surgery too - may be worth exploring that?)