Opinions on reasons for telephone consult?

[Fallgal]

Hiya all. Back in January, I highly suspected I may have diabetes T2. I went to Lloyd's pharmacy and had a random (not fasting) test done. The result was 19.7. I couldn't get a timely appointment at my GP (despite telling the receptionist that my reading was very high, and I was supposed to be seen in 3 days, she talked over me and told me "again, there are NO appointments available") so a few days later I went to A&E and the reading was 11.3 (I believe). Shortly after I had my 3rd surgery for skin cancer. So the GP visit was put on the back burner for a couple weeks. Since then, I had a consult with a GP, who ordered blood tests for diabetes, cholesterol and thyroid. It took a further 6 weeks of going back and forth to the GP for them to be able to draw blood from me. They weren't able to draw that much, but the very experienced phlebotomist (who was so kind and tried and tried, bless her) said she'd put a note on for the lab to do the very best they could with the sample provided.

I just called for my results. The receptionist told me that there was a note on my file that said I needed a telephone consult with a doctor. She would not give me any other information. The first telephone consult available is next Wednesday, and there are no in-person appointments available at the time.

I am wondering: why a telephone consult? If I truly have Type 2, wouldn't they just ask me to make an appointment with their resident diabetic specialist (the doctor I am to consult with is not the primary diabetes doctor)? Could it be the telephone consult is to refer me to the diabetic clinic or a specialist of some sort? Although I'd like to think the telephone consult may be to tell me there is nothing wrong, I know that is not the case. ETA: I just looked up the degrees of the doctor with whom I have the telephone consult. She is a gynecologist.

Any opinions/suggestions as to why I am going to have a telephone consult rather than an in-person visit? Thank you!

 

[bernie.freeman]

Hi Fallgal, perhaps your GP would like to speak to you sooner rather than wait for an appointment ??

 

[Kat100]

When I was diagnosed, well after I got myself diaganosed following my phone request for s blood test ! A GP rang me ....trying to get me to see the on call dr which I was able to....then an appointment followed a week later....
I was shocked to get that phone call, but it did get me started on medication that very day....

 

[DiamondAsh]

My former Doctor's SUrgery also used the telephone consultations. It was usually for things that are mostly straightforward.

 

[Indy51]

Blows my mind how they seem to take no account of people's feelings and emotions with these kinds of things. Are they daft or just don't give a rat's?

 

[carraway]

Our GP surgery has half an hour phone-in allocated every morning when we can ring and speak to them

I think it's a brilliant service.

Haven't come across booking a telephone appointment though.

Please let us know how you get on.

 

[sanguine]

The typical procedure at our surgery is you have to phone first to describe to reception why you might want to see a doctor. If appropriate they get a doctor to phone you back later in the day to discuss. He/she may make an appointment themselves, but it's often like 'can you come to (our other, 20 miles away) health centre this afternoon?', 'No, I work from home and my wife uses the car during the day'. 'How about tomorrow at the other centre?'. 'No, I work from home etc, didn't you understand that bit?'. And you can't prebook an appointment, reception will only book for that day - if you can get through on the phone early enough.

To be fair if there is a real emergency they will jump, but for 'routine' visits it's a nightmare, especially if you want to see a specific GP.

(Glad I've already tested my BP this morning ... )

Rod

 

[Aldebaran]

Our surgery changed to phone in consultations last year and I've found them helpful. The surgery rang me the day after my first test to book a second one. I couldn't wait for them to ring me on Tuesday so I rang to get the result. The receptionist then got the doctor to phone me to explain some of it. He did this and I also had my diabetic clinic appointment booked there and then. I'm no expert but it sounds like the phone call will lead onto your first appointment to discuss your Diabetes.

 

[Fallgal]

Thanks, everyone. I appreciate all the answers. I guess different surgeries have different procedures. All I can do is wait until Wednesday I suppose. I have to think, though, if my readings were particularly alarming, they would have squeezed me in sooner. So perhaps this is a semi-good sign.

 

[Aldebaran]

I'd say so Fallgal. I know if I've had to have tests in the past, they've not hesitated if it's something they need to see me about quickly. Definitely think it will be to set up the diabetic appointment. Good luck.