Hi everyone,
I'm here seeking some advice. I have had type 1 diabetes for over a decade now and have always seen the consultant at the hospital for diabetes reviews. My control is good (HbA1c around 6%), I'm just out of my teens, of normal weight, no have retinopathy and no other diabetes-related problems and my consultant is happy to see me every year (I'm happy with this too!).
More recently, my GP, who writes my prescriptions, has been insisting that I visit his surgery for diabetes reviews every 6-months. The way in which they work things is that you have to go once for your blood test and then again for your chat with the nurse, amounting to an additional 4 appointments over the course of the year. Add in the retinopathy screening, foot care checks, etc., and, well, it's fair to say that it all mounts up. I'm employed (so have to take time off for appointments) and don't drive so have to rely on a relative (who also works) to take me to all my appointments.
I have explained to my GP numerous times that I have my annual review at the hospital, that I'm happy to see the consultant and that it's a pain for me to visit the surgery for what is essentially the same tests and the same questions. However, they keep sending me request after request -human requests, not computerised requests - that I attend the doctor's surgery for blood tests for a prescription review. They even have my consultant's report to prove I have been to the hospital and had my tests done there.
Clearly, I wish to continue receiving my prescription (I need it) but I am so tired of feeling like the doctors are unable to listen to me. I just wonder whether anyone has any advice on the best course of action to take.
I'm here seeking some advice. I have had type 1 diabetes for over a decade now and have always seen the consultant at the hospital for diabetes reviews. My control is good (HbA1c around 6%), I'm just out of my teens, of normal weight, no have retinopathy and no other diabetes-related problems and my consultant is happy to see me every year (I'm happy with this too!).
More recently, my GP, who writes my prescriptions, has been insisting that I visit his surgery for diabetes reviews every 6-months. The way in which they work things is that you have to go once for your blood test and then again for your chat with the nurse, amounting to an additional 4 appointments over the course of the year. Add in the retinopathy screening, foot care checks, etc., and, well, it's fair to say that it all mounts up. I'm employed (so have to take time off for appointments) and don't drive so have to rely on a relative (who also works) to take me to all my appointments.
I have explained to my GP numerous times that I have my annual review at the hospital, that I'm happy to see the consultant and that it's a pain for me to visit the surgery for what is essentially the same tests and the same questions. However, they keep sending me request after request -human requests, not computerised requests - that I attend the doctor's surgery for blood tests for a prescription review. They even have my consultant's report to prove I have been to the hospital and had my tests done there.
Clearly, I wish to continue receiving my prescription (I need it) but I am so tired of feeling like the doctors are unable to listen to me. I just wonder whether anyone has any advice on the best course of action to take.