Ethical Or Not?

[denis567]

I am just seeking the opinion of one of our doctor friends, as to what I should do. I'm not seeking medical advice.
I have recently had a series of appointments with a specialist at a local hospital.
I have no more appointments due, but there has recently been a change in my symptons.
Would I be in order trying to contact the specialist direct, or should I go through my GP?
The last time I went through my GP it took 3 months to get an appointment, and this change in my symptons is worrying.
Many thanks

[Canary42]

Not a doc, but here's my opinion.

Try the specialist direct, at worst he can say "No, go through your GP" but he might take you up as you're "his patient".

Bu99er ethics, this is your health we're talking about.

[jno]

I don't know but my kneejerk reaction would be: same illness, new symptoms, tell the specialist; new illness, see the GP.

Others may give you better ethical advice, though.

[ladyalex]

I would contact the Consultant concerned.
Do this by ringing the hospital and asking for his/her secretary.
Explain your problem to her and she will be able to advise you whether you should go back to your GP or if she can arrange for an appointment to be sent to you directly.
Try not to worry about upsetting the medical professionals. They are there to help you and I cannot see that anyone would object to you contacting the secretary.
Good luck.

[BAKERS DOZEN]

I am not a doctor but my daughter had been in hospital extremely poorly. She'd had 46 pints of blood transfused during her stay so when she started feeling unwell about 9 months later I rang her specialist's secretary and asked if he would see her without going through her GP. He saw her the same day but we had to sit and wait until the end of his list. We did not mind at all. I know we were very lucky but if you don't ask you won't get.

[Rosetta]

Not a medic, but I would do a 2 pronged attack and contact both

[denis567]

Thanks for all your kind answers. I do have the phone number of the specialist's secretary so I will give them a ring in the morning

[Connemmara]

Hi Denis - agree with all of the posters - go to direct consultant - you will be seen to if your symptoms have gone down the hill a bit. It's their job to look after you.

[pixie373]

Yes, you're under the specialist now. Ring them.

[Sqad]

Contact you GP....he is the "leader of the Orchestra" and your change in symptoms may have nothing to do with the Consultant's specialty.

[woofgang]

I would contact the specialist and let the GP know that I had done so and what the new symptoms were.

[China Doll]

If the specialist had discharged me then I would contact the GP.