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If I'm lucky enough to phone within the short window or opportunity in the mornings (between 8:00 am and about 8:15) I can get an appointment on the same day.
If it is urgent, I can get an emergency appointment on the day that I phone, even if i have missed the 'window'. But the receptionist always asks what the problem is if I ask for an emergency appointment. She has never refused me one, but it feels like a bit of a threat...plus I might not want to discuss my problems with her.
If I want to book ahead, they can only give me an appointment within the next two weeks.....if there are any available. If the Dr I want to see happens to be one of the part-time ones, I may have to phone several days in succession in order to get an appointment with them two weeks from the day I phone.
I really do not understand why anyone should think that this system is a good one. Before it was introduced it was rare not to get an appointment on the day that you phoned.
I find it quite stressful to phone in the morning continually redialling in the hope of managing to get through before all of the others.
Thanks for all your answers, folks.
Sounds as though the 'two weeks ahead only' rule is not universal and has no particular reason for it.
I really wish our surgery used the system that Buenchico's does ...I would find it so much easier and more efficient.