Annual review - strange changes to procedures.

LittleGreyCat

Well-Known Member
Messages
4,233
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Tablets (oral)
Dislikes
Diet drinks - the artificial sweeteners taste vile.
Having to forswear foods I have loved all my life.
Trying to find low carb meals when eating out.
My local surgery has in the past been outstanding in the support for my Diabetes.

It used to be a blood test 2 weeks before the review, and then a review including a discussion of the test results.

This year it is apparently "all done in one session" where you turn up, they take blood, check weight and BP etc.

I am told that if there is any problem with the blood test results when they come back two weeks later then they will phone you.

Is it just me, or is this an illogical way to do things?

The surgery seems to have been "streamlining" processes, presumably to save money.
Unfortunately the other nearest surgery doesn't have an outstanding reputation for joined up thinking either.
 

Rachox

Oracle
Retired Moderator
Messages
15,811
Type of diabetes
I reversed my Type 2
Treatment type
Tablets (oral)
My surgery did my annual review like this in May, it was to reduce attendance to one visit to the surgery during Covid. I went and had my blood drawn and weight etc... done. The only difference was that I had a phone call after a week to discuss results even though my results were all ok.
 

Daibell

Master
Messages
12,642
Type of diabetes
LADA
Treatment type
Insulin
I would object to that. It's pointless having a review without knowing the blood tests results. They obviously don't care. I would tell them that you want the blood test done two weeks before. I have mine done at the local hospital blood clinic so it doesn't involve the surgery other than triggering the form for it.
 

carty

Well-Known Member
Messages
3,379
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Tablets (oral)
I had my review and blood test at the same time ,when the results came back they were reviewed by the GP and didn't need any action . I also got a print out of my blood results .I think that under the circumstances this is better than going to the surgery twice .If I was worried about anything then I could have asked for a telephone consultation with my GP
Carol
 

Lowcarb 2

Well-Known Member
Messages
99
Type of diabetes
Type 1.5
Treatment type
Tablets (oral)
I had my review and blood test at the same time ,when the results came back they were reviewed by the GP and didn't need any action . I also got a print out of my blood results .I think that under the circumstances this is better than going to the surgery twice .If I was worried about anything then I could have asked for a telephone consultation with my GP
Carol
due to a fall out with the diabetic nurse at my surgery, after a hospital stay due to keotosis I was asked who they wanted to carry on my card the G P or community diabetic nurse. I chose the community nurse, she books me an appointment and asks me to book blood test at surgery 3 weeks before and then we discuss everything at my appointment at the local health centre, I have her direct phone number and can contact her or leave a message and they are good at getting back to me, any worries I know she is on hand
 

Lilylala

Well-Known Member
Messages
112
All my diabetic appointments are at my local hospital which has a specialist diabetic/ endocrinologist department .Once a year you have your hba1c test , retinol test , and nurse check weight , urine then when all results are back usually 15 mins later for you see your dedicated Dr or in my case professor you chat about your results worry or concerns.Also at the clinic there is foot care and nutritionist. after you then make a 6 month return to see the specialists Diabetic nurse to repeat the tests again.The diabetic nurse which you have on call if you at anytime need.I feel very blessed that I have a great team to call on if needed.This is the Elsie Bertrum suite at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital , I can't praise them enough unfortunately some do not get this care that they need.
 
  • Like
Reactions: porl69

copilost

Well-Known Member
Messages
354
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Diet only
presumably to save money
I think it's to limit exposure (this is what my clinic told me). One visit for bloods, blood pressure, foot check, weight. Follow up phone call to discuss if anything crops up. My blood pressure was raised at last appointment and the diabetes nurse went to check with a GP whilst I was there. My potassium came back low and I got a text not a phone call which isn't ideal, I could have booked a telephone call with the GP I imagine but didn't because I was sulking :). I do think with this approach there is a danger that people won't discuss worries they have. have to be a bit more proactive I guess (and not sulk :banghead:)
 

aard

Well-Known Member
Messages
141
diabetic annual checks? what are those, my surgery is doing its best not to see any patients during this 'pandemic'.
 

Tim1966

Member
Messages
15
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Tablets (oral)
I went for my annual review yesterday and had been told it would be an all in one 30 minute session. Arrived, had all the checks done bloods taken etc then told to book another 30 minute session next week for review with diabetic nurse. I am not complaining as I want to be able to show off my improved numbers :) however, it does seem ridiculously inconsistent across the country. I am North Yorkshire. (South Tees NHS Trust.)