FabSwingers.com forum: Doctors and GPs

By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

Went to my local GP this morning and he diagnosed me and had a prescription all done and dusted in 5 mins . I thought that was quick surely he did not take into account all factors

In my profession , although a completely different field we are told not to give quick snap advice , in order to avoid any potential negligence claims

So, are our local GPs not giving us the full time we deserve

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I've had issues with one of the GPs at my practice. But there are 3 others who have been wonderful in listening and helping me with a chronic health condition. One in particular sat and talked to me at length for about 20 minutes a few weeks ago.

GPs are very overworked and have new things to take into account after the budgets changed.

I think we should be thankful that we live in a society where we get medical care free at the point of treatment.

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By *nnyMan
over a year ago

Glasgow

If it can be done in 5 minutes, that's how long it takes.

If that frees up a few minutes extra for the next patient, whose problem might NEED a bit extra time, why not.

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By *inaTitzTV/TS
over a year ago

Titz Towers, North Notts

It probably depends on what kind of lurgey you have. Some things are more open and shut than others.

Frankly, I like to get in and get out the GP's. As I'm sharing a waiting room with people who are all ill I always wonder if I'm going to leave with more complaints than what I arrived with.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

He had already perused your medical records before you were called in and had made his partial diagnosis already

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

At my local health centre, appointments are 10 minutes, and in some cases you can book 20 minutes.

In most cases a dr can diagnose and treat 99 out of 100 cases within 3 minutes, and allows 2 mins for prescription and a few mins for advice, if you want longer more in depth consultations, pay for them.

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By *issHottieBottieWoman
over a year ago

Kent

"If it can be done in 5 minutes, that's how long it takes.

If that frees up a few minutes extra for the next patient, whose problem might NEED a bit extra time, why not."

As long as they listened to the complaint and dealt with it it's not important how long it takes,

I had a docs appointment yesterday that was quicker than that. And half of that was taken up by the printer going wrong. Lol. I have had appointments that went well over the 10 minute slot tho so its swings and roundabouts

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By *orny69pussyCouple
over a year ago

Tonbridge

A standard appointment at my Dr's is 7 mins. If you think it will take more you have to book a double app.. and single ones are hard enough to get!!

Had to wait 3 days for a Dr. to call me.. to try and save them time!!

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By *nnyMan
over a year ago

Glasgow

"If it can be done in 5 minutes, that's how long it takes.

If that frees up a few minutes extra for the next patient, whose problem might NEED a bit extra time, why not.

As long as they listened to the complaint and dealt with it it's not important how long it takes,

Spot on. I've never heard a GP (or a dentist or a hospital doctor for that matter) say, before they've finished, 'you'll have to go now, I've got other patients waiting'.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Most doctors don't smoke!

They're too pissed to light the cigarettes

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I can honestly say I have never been to see a GP since I was a young child so I have no idea how long it takes

I would imagine they take as long as each case needs though surely?

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

My doctor is amazing. Although sometimes I have to see one of the others but overall they're pretty good

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I went this morning & saw the 'advanced nurse practitioner'

Hope she catches what I've got and feels as crap as I do.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

most appointments can be done by phone, which saves you time and effort and also the dr can get through more people, its the way to go, in my surgery you can only order prescriptions by email or actually sending a letter by mail. no longer can you call in or phone to do it, as it is more efficient and costs less on staff wages, so money can be better spent on patient contact and treatments.

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By *teveanddebsCouple
over a year ago

Norwich

" if you want longer more in depth consultations, pay for them."

We do, it called 'taxes'

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

" if you want longer more in depth consultations, pay for them.

We do, it called 'taxes'"

In my area 75% of the patients have never worked or paid taxes, also the population have a shorter life expectancy, by at least 10 yrs,

due to poor diet and the chemical factories in the area.

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By *ouplefunukCouple
over a year ago

North Bristol

"Went to my local GP this morning and he diagnosed me and had a prescription all done and dusted in 5 mins . I thought that was quick surely he did not take into account all factors

In my profession , although a completely different field we are told not to give quick snap advice , in order to avoid any potential negligence claims

So, are our local GPs not giving us the full time we deserve "

You'd soon moan if you couldn't get an appointment at all because slots were half an hour and there wasn't enough time in the day to see everyone.

*Her*

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I have to know my own conditions through and through so doctors cant make snap advice. Over the years they've had the opportunity to kill me a good few times with the simplest of things; antidepressants, codeine and morphine related medicine, anything else with fluoride/fluorine

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By *nnyMan
over a year ago

Glasgow

You'd soon moan if you couldn't get an appointment at all because slots were half an hour and there wasn't enough time in the day to see everyone.

*Her*

Maybe if GPs could give each patient 30 minutes, they wouldn't be back every two days.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Wonder if the Op would have the same complaint if his local garage charged for 10 hours labour while they thought and chatted about his flat tyre.

Why does everything have to be double and triple checked these days.

If you have a minor ailment,that the GP has seen 1000 times before,you think he should need hours to make his mind up.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Went to my local GP this morning and he diagnosed me and had a prescription all done and dusted in 5 mins . I thought that was quick surely he did not take into account all factors

In my profession , although a completely different field we are told not to give quick snap advice , in order to avoid any potential negligence claims

So, are our local GPs not giving us the full time we deserve "

Maybe you can tell us when you have finished the course of prescribed medication?

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By *tirling DarkCouple
over a year ago

Stirling

"Went to my local GP this morning and he diagnosed me and had a prescription all done and dusted in 5 mins . I thought that was quick surely he did not take into account all factors

In my profession , although a completely different field we are told not to give quick snap advice , in order to avoid any potential negligence claims

And was his diagnosis right? Imagine what your waiting times would be if they didn't give prompt and accurate advice. GPs go through years of post grad training, examinations, CPD etc. Sometimes it just takes 5 minutes, other times 20.

As for different fields, why compare non medical profession with yours in the first place? Do you want a doctor to hesitate in resus, just in case they are making a snap decision?

GPs, damned by so many, no matter what they do!

So, are our local GPs not giving us the full time we deserve "

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By *tirling DarkCouple
over a year ago

Stirling

Sorry really grips my shit the criticism GPs get. They have to cover so many specialities, one patient with acute asthma, next alzhemiers, then a poorly controlled diabetic, bugger me now a depressive whose stopped taking their medication, an acute abdomen, headache with photophobia, baby failing to put on Weight, child self harming, all in a two hour session....Welcome to the world of General Practice.

It is in the name, they are 'generalists'.

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By *icked weaselCouple
over a year ago

Near Edinburgh..

"Sorry really grips my shit the criticism GPs get. They have to cover so many specialities, one patient with acute asthma, next alzhemiers, then a poorly controlled diabetic, bugger me now a depressive whose stopped taking their medication, an acute abdomen, headache with photophobia, baby failing to put on Weight, child self harming, all in a two hour session....Welcome to the world of General Practice.

It is in the name, they are 'generalists'.

Some Folk call them G.P.`s - But - Yeah.. Totally Agree

The ones that can speak english are usually the best though..

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By *nnyMan
over a year ago

Glasgow

" .......

The ones that can speak english are usually the best though..

When you need a doctor, language is a secondary consideration.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I walked in to see my new doctor and before I sat down he said good afternoon how's your arthritis. We always have a little chat now

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I think you need to bare in mind that altho it all seems new to u the dr has prob heard the same thing a million times and can see the problem very quickly

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

can't complain about my Dr or nurse practitioner, they are both very thorough with me, but think its because they know me and my health conditions very well.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Only visited mine a handful of times, and they had always been very helpful.

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By *reelove1969Couple
over a year ago

bristol

as it says on the tin really with GP's ..they know a little bit about alot but not alot about anything ...the system is set up for them to diagnose a problem and then refer you to those doctors who are qualified to deal with the issue

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By *rightonsteveMan
over a year ago

Brighton - even Hove!

I haven't been for years. Twisted ankle I think was the last time. He diagnosed that in seconds cos I said 'hello' and he said 'have you twisted your ankle?'

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I self diagnose to a degree, if it's spotty it's ****1, if it's oozing it's *****2.

If it hurts a hell of a lot it's a fracture.

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By *iss_tressWoman
over a year ago

London

"Went to my local GP this morning and he diagnosed me and had a prescription all done and dusted in 5 mins . I thought that was quick surely he did not take into account all factors

In my profession , although a completely different field we are told not to give quick snap advice , in order to avoid any potential negligence claims

So, are our local GPs not giving us the full time we deserve

You'd soon moan if you couldn't get an appointment at all because slots were half an hour and there wasn't enough time in the day to see everyone.

*Her*

Seems like my surgery now. If I want to see my gp this week, forget it. If I phone Friday I may get an appointment Tuesday.

After 21 years I'll be moving to another practice as waiting a week for an appointment is not acceptable to me.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I rarely visit the doctor, I feel like a timewaster x

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By *opping_candyWoman
over a year ago

West Yorkshire

Can't complain about my doctors. There's quite a lot of them and I'm not fussed who I see. They even opened a small practice within Boots in town which is so much more convenient for me as otherwise it's a hefty uphill walk which, if poorly, isn't always what you feel like doing.

If an on the day appointment is needed then you go onto telephone triage where the doctor will ring you and either diagnose and prescribe over the phone, or book a same day appointment. A couple of months ago I spoke to the doctor about my daughter and said 'she has a temperature, lots of thick yellow snot and says her face hurts. I think she has a sinus infection'. The doctor said she thought so too, prescribed antibiotics which I picked up straight away as I was in town. Actually I had popped into Boots to ask to be put on telephone triage and got the call from the doctor before I left the store!

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By *ee VianteWoman
over a year ago

Somewhere in North Norfolk

"Went to my local GP this morning and he diagnosed me and had a prescription all done and dusted in 5 mins . I thought that was quick surely he did not take into account all factors

In my profession , although a completely different field we are told not to give quick snap advice , in order to avoid any potential negligence claims

So, are our local GPs not giving us the full time we deserve

You'd soon moan if you couldn't get an appointment at all because slots were half an hour and there wasn't enough time in the day to see everyone.

*Her*

Seems like my surgery now. If I want to see my gp this week, forget it. If I phone Friday I may get an appointment Tuesday.

After 21 years I'll be moving to another practice as waiting a week for an appointment is not acceptable to me."

My GP is usually fully booked 4 weeks in advance now! The surgery keep back some "same day" appointments on three days each week. If you need to see her as an emergency you need to phone at 8.30am on one of those three days and hope you can get through before all the same day slots are gone.

She's an exceptional GP, and she no longer works full time because she's taken on a training role, but 4 weeks?!

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By *londeCazWoman
over a year ago

Arse End of the Universe, Cumbria

Can't fault my practise, been there a lot over the past coupla years with my hip and back problems and have sometimes been in and out in a minute (more drugs please Doc) and other times I've had a good few minutes explaining new symptoms/asking for new referrals/just stuck cos I can't fecking move more than a yard an hour

One time last year I was about to head off for a weekend away and I started with cystitis - dived into the quacks, asked the receptionist to ask the doc for a trimotheprim scrip, sat 15 mins in waiting room and got my scrip without seeing them...no complaints from that service and my weekend wasn't ruined

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By *uby0000Woman
over a year ago

hertfordshire

my dad might still be here if they had checked him over properly

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By *iss_tressWoman
over a year ago

London

"Went to my local GP this morning and he diagnosed me and had a prescription all done and dusted in 5 mins . I thought that was quick surely he did not take into account all factors

In my profession , although a completely different field we are told not to give quick snap advice , in order to avoid any potential negligence claims

So, are our local GPs not giving us the full time we deserve

You'd soon moan if you couldn't get an appointment at all because slots were half an hour and there wasn't enough time in the day to see everyone.

*Her*

Seems like my surgery now. If I want to see my gp this week, forget it. If I phone Friday I may get an appointment Tuesday.

After 21 years I'll be moving to another practice as waiting a week for an appointment is not acceptable to me.

She's an exceptional GP, and she no longer works full time because she's taken on a training role, but 4 weeks?!"

Wow! There was a time you could get same day appointments, then it moved to you could come in and wait til those with appointments are seen, now you can't get an appointment (six doctors in the practice) that week, and you have to phone the Friday for getting one the following week.

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By *teveanddebsCouple
over a year ago

Norwich

" if you want longer more in depth consultations, pay for them.

We do, it called 'taxes'

In my area 75% of the patients have never worked or paid taxes, also the population have a shorter life expectancy, by at least 10 yrs,

due to poor diet and the chemical factories in the area."

People don't have to work to pay tax. there is a thing called VAT.

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By *nnyMan
over a year ago

Glasgow

"as it says on the tin really with GP's ..they know a little bit about alot but not alot about anything ...the system is set up for them to diagnose a problem and then refer you to those doctors who are qualified to deal with the issue"

My experience is that GPs know a lot about a lot but not everything about everything. I wouldn't expect them to.

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By *ee VianteWoman
over a year ago

Somewhere in North Norfolk

" if you want longer more in depth consultations, pay for them.

We do, it called 'taxes'

In my area 75% of the patients have never worked or paid taxes, also the population have a shorter life expectancy, by at least 10 yrs,

due to poor diet and the chemical factories in the area.

People don't have to work to pay tax. there is a thing called VAT."

And what is commonly known as "car tax", which is not spent on the roads but goes to government coffers. And fuel duty. And inheritance tax. And capital gains tax...

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By *nnyMan
over a year ago

Glasgow

Almost all tax goes to govt 'coffers'. Very little, if any, is hypothecated.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I have a great practise and the new younger doctors coming through are encouraging alternative medicine.I just wish they could all work together for the good of the patient.

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By *nnyMan
over a year ago

Glasgow

Just remember. Snake oil rots condoms.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Seems im lucky as I can get a same day appointment any day at my doctors as long as I ring up at 8.30am.

Only need to book in advance if I want a double appointment or if its part of my annual diabetes checks, flu jab etc.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

My gripe with gp's is- when was the last time they laid a hand on you? I'm not talking some obvious ailment, I'm talking something that requires palpation.

My most recent thing was when it took 4 doctors, two lots of x-rays of the same thing and two orthopaedic surgeons to diagnose what was blatently obvious to me withing ten minutes of the injury occuring. THEY didn't lay a hand on me or actually look properly at the x-rays but I did both and it was an easy diagnosis. God help those with anything complicated.

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By *nnyMan
over a year ago

Glasgow

Physicians and surgeons prefer to make up their own minds. It helps stop them getting sued.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Been registered with mine for 6 years now and never seen a gp. On each of about 5 occassions ive called for an appointment, they havent had one for 4/5days and bits been easier to hit the local nhs drop in centre. Usually in and out in 30mins tops. So far, fingies crossed, im still alive too.

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By *illwill69uMan
over a year ago

moston

Most of the time GP's are able to diagnose most patients problems within seconds of entering the consulting room, because...

Its one of the 2 or 3 bugs that's doing the local rounds or has been moving towards your area from nearby.

Or its a recurrence of an underlying problem that has already been diagnosed.

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By *tirling DarkCouple
over a year ago

Stirling

"My gripe with gp's is- when was the last time they laid a hand on you? I'm not talking some obvious ailment, I'm talking something that requires palpation.

So four doctors, two of which review X-rays mire times than you have had hot dinners, missed something which you spotted on the X-ray? How long did you have to exam them?

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Not long. The bits of bone were there for anyone to see if they looked properly. Even though I've read xrays more times than YOU'VE had hot dinners, a lay person could spot the problem easily.

The point is, they had a duty to look, palpate and listen to the history I gave. They could well have been sued for negligence, had I been of the mind, all because they didn't.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

" .......

The ones that can speak english are usually the best though..

When you need a doctor, language is a secondary consideration."

I would put it to you that most information a doctor needs relies on good communication rather than examination and tests.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

" .......

The ones that can speak english are usually the best though..

When you need a doctor, language is a secondary consideration.

I would put it to you that most information a doctor needs relies on good communication rather than examination and tests."

And that information is only as good as the person giving it. Or asking for it. Sometimes, people hear what they chose to.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Can't fault my GP or any other person I have seen in the medical field. The level of care, empathy, and professionalism is always good. Maybe I'm lucky?

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By *nnyMan
over a year ago

Glasgow

"Most of the time GP's are able to diagnose most patients problems within seconds of entering the consulting room, ........."

And in some cases they've heard you coughing whilst you're still in the waiting room.

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By *tirling DarkCouple
over a year ago

Stirling

"Not long. The bits of bone were there for anyone to see if they looked properly. Even though I've read xrays more times than YOU'VE had hot dinners, a lay person could spot the problem easily.

The point is, they had a duty to look, palpate and listen to the history I gave. They could well have been sued for negligence, had I been of the mind, all because they didn't. "

If you feel so aggrieved and so positive that, not one but four doctors, were negligent, sue them or at least raise a formal complaint. Would be very interested to see how far it went.

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By *tirling DarkCouple
over a year ago

Stirling

How to make a GP cringe, "and another thing" or "three things doctor". So many GPs turn up with a list of different complaints when all they have is a ten minute appointment. Miracle workers they ain't.

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By *nnyMan
over a year ago

Glasgow

"Can't fault my GP or any other person I have seen in the medical field. The level of care, empathy, and professionalism is always good. Maybe I'm lucky?"

Most GPs are pretty much like that. That's why it gets noticed when things occasionally go wrong.

Factor in people tend only to visit their doc when they're not at their best and you have to question where any fault lies.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

" If you feel so aggrieved and so positive that, not one but four doctors, were negligent, sue them or at least raise a formal complaint. Would be very interested to see how far it went."

Thank you for your interest in my welfare.

For me, the letter of apology from one of the hospitals involved is enough. Once they realised their mistake about not reading the x-rays properly, they were fast to act.

I am, perhaps, more fortunate than yourselves, in that I actually know exactly what I'm talking about and I was lucky I was able to recognise what my problem was and act on it myself. Most others are not in this position.

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