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Is there some trick to getting an appointment?

Fallgal

Fallgal

Well-Known Member
Messages
657
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Tablets (oral)
My diagnosis was a long time coming as it took several appointments (and several weeks) for the phlebotomist to draw blood from me. (I have terrible veins.) I was "officially" diagnosed on 9 April, nearly 3 weeks ago, via a phone consult with a doctor I've never met. I had my first appointment with my DN on Friday, 25 April. He seemed surprised that I was not already on Metformin and statins, which I was told I would be put on by the doctor via the phone consult, 16 days prior. When I told him that no, I hadn't seen a doctor yet nor gotten a script, he said I needed to make an appointment with the diabetic doc. I also told the nurse about my very bad foot, which was swollen, and I suspect I have an ulcer. He completely brushed me off, even though I mentioned it THREE times during the appointment, and told him that twice I had called reception to get an appointment for someone, anyone, to take a look at it, but there are NEVER any appointments available. He simply said the diabetic doctor would look at it and didn't seem the least bit concerned about it.

As I left the appointment, I stopped at reception to book an appointment with the diabetic doctor and told them why in no uncertain terms. They said there were no appointments available, and to call on Monday morning to see if there were any cancellations. When I called this morning I was once again told, no appointments available for the whole week, and no phone consults available either. She told me to try again tomorrow at 8 a.m. (Also, one has to dial over and over again just to get through.) I even tried their online system, but as I've never done that before, I needed a password from them. You can't just do it online. When I called for a password, they said they couldn't give it to me over the phone, I have to come in. Is this some kind of a sick joke?

Now, obviously I want to start on my medicine ASAP because I heard it could possibly make me sick for weeks. I have several special occasions in June and hope to be over this initial sickness if at all possible by then.

Also, and probably more important at this point, I am starting to worry that my foot problem is far more serious than the nurse (who didn't even glance at it) led me to believe. I've been reading a lot on this forum and saw some photos and descriptions online and these things are serious!

So, truly, as someone who is fairly new here, just HOW do I get an appointment? Their system of "try your luck" each morning at 8 a.m. is horrible.

Also, just out of my own curiosity, what on earth do these receptionist do all day? They don't take payments, process insurance, book appointments (because there never are any available), they don't give results, sign you in when you get there, call you back to the rooms, put info in your file (the doctors and nurses do that). So besides gossiping and filing their nails (which I've seen them do often), what on earth do they DO? They seem extremely put out when they have to answer the phone and I feel like I'm begging to see the GP, and feel shamed that I have the audacity to call when I'm not on death's door! Sorry to go off on a rant, and for such a long post, but I'm really depressed this morning and fed up!
 
Get on to the practice manager asap by phone, letter, visit whatever and moan like hell. This is unacceptable.
 
If you're that worried about your foot, can't you go to A&E to have it looked at? I think that's what I'd do, though I'm speaking as an Aussie and how our system works.
 
I agree, it is totally unacceptable and you must complain to the Practice Manager. I am soooo lucky with my local health centre. Everything runs like clockwork, appointments are easy to get, the receptionists are brilliant, blood clinics are superb. I could go on gloating, so please make a complaint.
 
Raise hell with the practice (mis)manager then get away from that bunch of of amateurs and find a decent GP IMHO
 
I agree with Fergus, sounds like you should look round for another practice as they are not all like this . Not to be able to offer you an appointment even in a weeks time is totally unacceptable.


Sent from the Diabetes Forum App
 
Your practice is way out of line. As others have said ask to speak to the Practice Manager and write if needed to back up the complaint. Do see if there is a better practice in the area. Do you have a walk-in 'Darzi' centre near you? We're lucky in having a few in Hertfordshire. Google your local NHS trusts and see what is available within your area. Probably the most important thing to do before you can get an appointment apart from going to A&E if needed is to have the best diet which means reducing the carbs right down. Also get hold of a glucose meter so you can check your blood sugar. If it's high it will make any infection, ulcers etc far worse. Note that although the Metformin will help it doesn't make a vast difference to blood sugar and statins have nothing to with diabetes (or anything?). One other thought is when you write to the practice manager is to say that if the surgery can't offer a diabetes appointment can they refer you to the local hospital diabetes clinic
 
Fallgal said:
My diagnosis was a long time coming as it took several appointments (and several weeks) for the phlebotomist to draw blood from me. (I have terrible veins.) I was "officially" diagnosed on 9 April, nearly 3 weeks ago, via a phone consult with a doctor I've never met. I had my first appointment with my DN on Friday, 25 April. He seemed surprised that I was not already on Metformin and statins, which I was told I would be put on by the doctor via the phone consult, 16 days prior. When I told him that no, I hadn't seen a doctor yet nor gotten a script, he said I needed to make an appointment with the diabetic doc. I also told the nurse about my very bad foot, which was swollen, and I suspect I have an ulcer. He completely brushed me off, even though I mentioned it THREE times during the appointment, and told him that twice I had called reception to get an appointment for someone, anyone, to take a look at it, but there are NEVER any appointments available. He simply said the diabetic doctor would look at it and didn't seem the least bit concerned about it.
Click to expand...

If you want to complain, I would advise you do it in writing. It's hard to forget what's written down. I would then either deliver it by hand, or recorded delivery. The letter should be addressed to your doctor ( or the diabetic doc) and the practise manager, as you have concerns about both clinical and administrative issues, and surely one of them will read it? If you have an email option, then request a read receipt, and copy yourself in. That way you know it has got there. Again, an email should be for the urgent attention of more than one person.

The receptionists are probably working. To strict guidelines, bout sometimes, someone has to be able to flex a little.

In your letter, ask the Practise Manager to call you to agree a way forward.

I would be horrified if that didn't result in some action.

If you are too concerned to wait, you could call a podiatrist and ask for an urgent appointment, based on your concerns and diabetic status. When I was initially diagnosed, I saw a private podiatrist, as I was leaving the country for a few months and couldn't wait for my NHS referral (just for the standard checks), and I got in next day, at a cost of £26. My feet were fine, but as I was there and paying, she trimmed my nails, filed a little bit of thickened skin and moisturised my feet. That alone was worth the £26. I was almost asleep!

Good luck with it all. It's no wonder we get frustrated sometimes.
 
Thank you all for your advice and support!

I am a bit calmer now, thanks to you all. I was beginning to think I was being unreasonable or crazy.

I am drafting a letter now to the practice manager (and am copying in the diabetes doctor), and have also left a message for the practice manager at reception for a call back. I want this all documented because when one is upset, one can often forget details, dates, etc. When I was diagnosed, I started keeping a notebook of info and have now transferred it all to my computer.

I did not realize that I could go to another GP. I thought I had to go to the one in my neighborhood. If I cannot get an appointment in the morning, I will go the hospital. If I do not get a callback from the practice manager by tomorrow, I will switch GPs/surgeries if possible. I am trying to be fair and pleasant and don't mind "waiting my turn" but this is ridiculous!

Daibell - I will Google the trust and see what else is available. I know there is a 'diabetes building' near me, but was told it was only for Type 1. I have been low-carbing for a couple weeks now and have a meter. It took me a long time to get up the courage to prick my finger but I have many times now (but not as regularly as I should), and my BG numbers are well down from what it was initially, but still not in a good range yet.

Bluetit - where do you live? Can I come move to your neighborhood? ":D

Thanks again everyone. :)
 
I am pleased to report that I was able to get an appointment this morning. I now have my meds, and had a foot check. I am being referred to the diabetic podiatrist/specialist. I am just waiting for a call from them. So I am happy. All I wanted was to get the ball rolling. :)

Thanks again everyone, for your advice. :)
 
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