[smudgie]

One of the reasons you are asked is to work out how important it is to see a doctor, urgent or routine.
If you are really ill and desperate to see a doc straight away then it helps if you can inform them of your symptoms. Your patient confidentiality applies to the receptionists as well as the doctor, after all, they type all your stuff up on the computer.
Unfortunately it is very rare that any conversation between you and the receptionist is very private if it is face to face as the whole waiting room can listen in.
I personally tend to have no problems, I give my name first then ask for an appointment, if anything, they want me there far more than I want to be there.

[the truth]

Originally Posted by smudgie

One of the reasons you are asked is to work out how important it is to see a doctor, urgent or routine.
If you are really ill and desperate to see a doc straight away then it helps if you can inform them of your symptoms. Your patient confidentiality applies to the receptionists as well as the doctor, after all, they type all your stuff up on the computer.
Unfortunately it is very rare that any conversation between you and the receptionist is very private if it is face to face as the whole waiting room can listen in.
I personally tend to have no problems, I give my name first then ask for an appointment, if anything, they want me there far more than I want to be there.

they often use it as a way to trick you into the wrong answer then dissuade you from seeing the doctor

[Cherie]

Originally Posted by the truth

they often use it as a way to trick you into the wrong answer then dissuade you from seeing the doctor

Really? if you are that ill you need to see a doctor how can you be tricked into deciding not to go? An example of a trick question would be good

[the truth]

Originally Posted by Cherie

Really? if you are that ill you need to see a doctor how can you be tricked into deciding not to go? An example of a trick question would be good

when can i see the doctor.....why whats wrong with you.......ummm i dont feel well....in what way? i feel sick and a bit hot.......oh have you tried anything for it? ummm no not really....well let me put you through to the nurse and she can assess you.........ummm id rather see the doctor...why whats wrong with you ? etc etc

[Cherie]

Originally Posted by the truth

when can i see the doctor.....why whats wrong with you.......ummm i dont feel well....in what way? i feel sick and a bit hot.......oh have you tried anything for it? ummm no not really....well let me put you through to the nurse and she can assess you.........ummm id rather see the doctor...why whats wrong with you ? etc etc

I'd diagnose man flu in this instance I have a lump on my penis should be enough to see you sail through to the next round

[Niamh.]

Originally Posted by Cherie

I'd diagnose man flu in this instance I have a lump on my penis should be enough to see you sail through to the next round

sexist

[kirklancaster]

Originally Posted by Cherie

Really? if you are that ill you need to see a doctor how can you be tricked into deciding not to go? An example of a trick question would be good

^ This.

Anyone who is genuinely ill and in need of seeing a doctor, yet is so easily dissuaded from doing so by a receptionist, DESERVES not to see one - especially after they have risen, dressed and travelled to get to the Surgery in the first place.

I personally, have NEVER been questioned by any receptionist as to the reason for my wanting to see the doctor, but if I ever was, I would tell them very firmly 'where to go'.

[Ammi]

Originally Posted by smudgie

One of the reasons you are asked is to work out how important it is to see a doctor, urgent or routine.
If you are really ill and desperate to see a doc straight away then it helps if you can inform them of your symptoms. Your patient confidentiality applies to the receptionists as well as the doctor, after all, they type all your stuff up on the computer.
Unfortunately it is very rare that any conversation between you and the receptionist is very private if it is face to face as the whole waiting room can listen in.
I personally tend to have no problems, I give my name first then ask for an appointment, if anything, they want me there far more than I want to be there.

...yeah I think it's more to try to make the system as efficient as possible, Smudge...not just to filter the urgent and more routine appointments but also those who could be dealt with, with a practice nurse so that there are more GP appointments available where they're needed most...so much is done at surgery level now, even small surgical procedures..and sometimes appointments can be made to see a GP when it was the practise nurse that they really needed to see...it's all meant for a more efficient system for everyone...I think maybe the problem is though, that the reception staff don't get training in how to put these things and how to filter properly in a way that patients don't feel intruded on with things that are personal and sometimes quite delicate.../more training I would say could prevent that...