Doctors Receptionists

[Jules001]

My mum rang her Doctors yesterday to make an appointment and the receptionist asked her what the nature of her visit to the doctor was, she told her, as it wasn't of a personal nature, but I told her she should have told her that it was between you and the doctor, I know if I were going for whatever reason I wouldn't necessarily want the receptionist to know about it - does anyone else get asked this by their surgery receptionists?

[rockyracoon]

Ours always ask, I think it's to make sure appointment time lengths are accurate, certain things need a double appointment. I only answer them if I want to, if it's anything personal then definitely not.

[murraymints]

Every time...sometimes they need to know how long to book for you..not always being nosy...but I have also replied I wish to discuss this with the gp...

[bednobs]

yes. They ask, becuse frankly the majority of people are stupid, and wouldn't think to see the nurse for example instead of the doctor

[rowanwitch]

Or its an i've run out of tablets and i've missed the deadline for repeat prescriptions where a phone call to a doc will do.

[LoftyLottie]

Ours don't ask.

[ummmm]

Yep...they always ask.

[yogasun]

Hi Lottie!!

Ours don't ask either

[joannie10]

ours ask, as mentioned to try and determine the length of the appointment but if it was particularly personal I wouldn't have any problem just saying it was too personal and I would prefer not disclose.

[LoftyLottie]

Hi Yoga, you are following me around. I just said hello at 'The Sun has got it's hat on' x ;o)

[Zeuhl]

Ours don't ask.

But don't they have access to the medical records on the computer anyway?

[LoftyLottie]

Ours just have 10 minute appointments for everyone, except the duty doctor who has five minutes!! There is a big notice on the wall telling you what ailments are appropriate for consulting a nurse rather than the doctor. If you see a nurse and she decides you need a doctor then she calls one in.

[tinkerbell23]

Ours never ask...but i guess they can see what the problem is anyhow if they really wanted too...id probs be surprised if they asked actually - ours have open surgery 3x a week though which is great xx

[cupid04]

I don't think it's any of their business, they are just there to make appointments. Your appointment with the doctor is private!

[LoftyLottie]

Agree with cupid, but they can read your medical notes as Zeuhl says. I would not discuss my ailments at a reception desk in an open area under any circumstances.

[Mosaic]

It Tees me off - our gp's receptionist does this every time, not that we often visit the doctor. It will come at the end of a long-winded process of tutting, no appointments being available for the next two weeks, but you can't make an appointment for three weeks hence, and we don't do Fridays, and you can't make appointments for Thursdays.......

[vodkancoke]

My Doc surgery just asks if you would prefer a female doc. If going to the nurse, they ask what it's for.

[Brinjal]

Mine doesn't ask

[katdarn79]

No never!

[jackthehat]

They take their instructions from the Doctors themselves.
If a particular GP instructs his receptionists to ask, so that he may have some idea of the ailments he will be facing that day, they *have* to ask.

It won't be prurient interest on their part.

[China Doll]

I work for a consultant and I will always ask what the appointment is for when a parent requests a follow up as it helps me prioritise the case load. I don't ask for massive amounts of detail though. 9/10 I'm looking at the last letter anyway at the same time as talking so can see what docs said and done previously. Some of the parents I deal with in our chronic fatigue clinic have higher levels of anxiety than the actual patient.