Hi,
I've got a doctors appointment this afternoon, but I was just wondering, do you think it's ok to discuss more than one "problem", or will he think I'm crazy/wasting his time?
I rarely go to the docs, but it's now got to the point where I have five "issues" I need to ask him about... all potentially serious (not a cough/cold type thing).
I did mention to receptionist, when I phoned, that I had a few things I wanted to speak with him about, but she just informed me that "emergency appointments" (it's all I could get!) were for ten minutes only.
Do you think I should just ask him about the most important "issue" and then make another appointment later in the week... and so on, until I'm done?
I know this sounds a bit strange, but I just want to know what other people would do. Thanks.
Just tell him when you go in that you have a list of things and start with the one you are most concerned about. He'll let you know if he doesn't have time to hear all of them.
Thinking about it, he'll probably just tell me to make an appointment to see the nurse. I don't think the GP's do things like blood tests these days... far too mush effort! :P
try and explain in the time allotted, but believe me 10 minutes isn't nearly long enough, and many patients do go over the time span. Perhaps if you had a couple of notes, that you can refer to, it saves waffling, if you understand.
I'd mention all issues to the doc and let him/her diagnose. If the GP has to run over the alloted time then so be it.
Sometimes, in my surgery, you turn up in good time for your appointment to be told the GP is running late. Fine. Some patients need longer than others.
em, I did think about taking a little note with me... but thought this may add to the "she's a loony" thing! :D Now you've suggested it though, I think I will.
i did, and it quickened the process, it wasn't War and Peace, just a small list of "can you explain please, and what do i do about it, thank you" sort of
thing.
Alba, thanks. I was on time for my sons appointment last week, and we ended up waiting 45 minutes to be seen. Perhaps the person before me had a long list! :D
to be honest with how difficult it is to secure an appointment these days I think most doctors will be faced with a list of ailments on a routine basis.
Cazz, that's the thing. I wasn't able to make a "normal appointment".
The receptionist asked if it was an emergency, to which I answered "not really". She then said that was the only type of appointment they had with my doctor... until he got back from his holiday in three weeks time.
Er... ok then, it *is* an emergency. My leg has fallen off...