GPs and referrals

[rowan]

I read on here somewhere they we have a right to be seen by a podiatrist, is that just if a surgery doesn't have its own diabetes nurse, or does that not make a difference? I have other severe problems with my feet and the skin on them (Palmoplantar pustulosis, nail psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis), and I need to know if that presents more of a risk of diabetic complications and how to tell the difference!

Also I'm planning on asking for a referral to the hospital diabetes clinic when i see my DN in a couple of weeks. Do we have a right to choose hospital as well as, or instead of, a GP team, or it that decision up to them? My CN has admitted she doesn't have a clue about liver dumps and DP, and they're the things causing me a lot of problems and I need help sorting it out!
I also have several other non-diabetic complications that are affecting my BG and I think the hospital is more likey to have dealt with similar problems before, some of my illnesses are quite rare and I wouldn't expect any DN to know about them.

 

[noblehead]

You can self-refer to see a podiatrist, as for choosing a hospital, yes you can choose which one you want to attend, usually you get a list of hospitals through the NHS Choose and Book appointment system.

 

[rowan]

You can self-refer to see a podiatrist, as for choosing a hospital, yes you can choose which one you want to attend, usually you get a list of hospitals through the NHS Choose and Book appointment system.

Thank you.
But the hospital thing, what I meant was, I've always seen the DN at the GP surgery, but do I have a right to ask them to refer me to the hospitall diabetes clinic instead? I know which hospital it's at, I just don't know if it's my right to choose to go there instead, or as someone else on here said the other day, their surgery won't refer anyone to the hospitasl clinic, they have to be seen at the GPs.

 

[noblehead]

Thank you.
But the hospital thing, what I meant was, I've always seen the DN at the GP surgery, but do I have a right to ask them to refer me to the hospitall diabetes clinic instead? I know which hospital it's at, I just don't know if it's my right to choose to go there instead, or as someone else on here said the other day, their surgery won't refer anyone to the hospitasl clinic, they have to be seen at the GPs.

TBH I'm not too sure about that, but people who are insulin treated can ask to be referred if their gp surgery can't sort out their diabetes control, but if you have issues with your surgery and with your diabetes control then you can only ask, as said I don't know so hopefully other type 2's may give you a better answer. Good luck anyway.

 

[donnellysdogs]

Some CCG's have reclassified the need of diabetics to see a podiatrist. It will be another postcode lottery I'm afraid.

 

[donnellysdogs]

I was referred by my DN to see a podiatrist last September and I'm still waiting for an appointment. I was complaining of cramps in my left foot and leg and the DN said there was a slight loss of sensitivity in the foot. Didn't think I would have such a long uncomfortable wait for this treatment

It may be worthwhile following up this referral. Depending upon your CCG, they may well have changed their criteria for appointments. You may not be notified.....

 

[Patricia21]

I did ask to be referred to a podiatrist because of an in growing toe nail,the nail got sorted with surgery,but Im not allowed to go for check ups because of diabetes,the podiatrist said my diabetic nurse should check my feet,the nurse I see is a general nurse and knows nothing much about diabetes,just gives me my blood test results,says I dont need any tests being T2.
I also have never seen a doctor with my diabetes.
Thank goodness for this forum.