And on print outs of blood tests......
When I joined a new GP surgery the GP chased me for ages to get my hba1c results because the hospital and GP despite being in the same trust can't communicate. I told him and he was very happy as it was below 7 so they get more funding for my hard work. He then suggested that I have the hba1c done at the surgery as it would be easier for me. I thought I'd give it a go as a fasting test (even though I had a consultant for years who said just eat breakfast and lie) is better done closer to home than going to the hospital which is further and at that time had a long queue. So I gave it a go. The test itself was ok but when it came to getting the result as I didn't trust the GP to send to the hospital I called up to find what it was. First I was told it was normal (ie below 7)and they wouldn't tell me what it was as the GP had to tell me. He did. Then I asked for a print out. The nurse had told me that when I did this to make sure to emphasise to the receptionist that it was for an nhs appointment.
Me: I need a print out of the blood results for an nhs appointment at xxxx
Receptionist: That will be £5
Me: The nurse told me that if it was for an NHS appointment there's no charge.
Receptionist: That will be £5
Me: OK
Mental process: OK if they're not giving in on this I'll pay £5 do all my tests at the hospital and the next time the GP calls asking for my results my response will be "That will be £5 please". I should make back the cost quite quickly
Nurse calls me back and apologises and assures me it won't cost anything and it didn't so I didn't need to go to those lengths.
New surgery, same discussion about getting results and suggestion that I do the blood test there.
I turn up at reception after work on way home and ask for a print out. The receptionist starts the print out and then says:
Receptionist: That will be 72p a sheet.
Me: It's for an NHS appointment
Receptionist: There's still a charge.
Me: I only had the blood test done here because dr x specifically requested it. I can get it done at x instead. Please let her know that if I have to pay for it I won't do anymore here and I won't communicate the results to you which I understand has a funding impact.
Receptionist: That's nothing to do with me. It's 72p a sheet.
Me: Ok. I don't want it. I'm going to the hospital and I'll get another one done there.
Receptionist: But I've already printed out the sheets.
Me: You didn't tell me you would charge me for something I shouldn't be charged for before doing so and I'm not payng for it.
Receptionist: I'll have to check with my manager.
Me: Please do.
She goes off, checks and I get the print out for free.
Last time I did a blood test at that surgery.
My now retired consultant used to have little cards you'd keep which he'd fill in with your hba1c, any other bloods, weight, blood pressure etc. This was mainly because the hospital lost notes on a regular basis so he could never guarantee they'd be there at any appointment. Patients were more reliable. My current one has offered me a print out for free.