Do I have a crap GP?

[fourlegstwolegs]

I have been registered at a rural practice for about 10 years. They have about 8 GPs. Since last year I got assigned a "family GP" who I now get allocated to each time I go. So far so good. However I think he's a bit pants. Example 1) My DS had a persistent chesty cough. Eventually took him in. GP listened to his chest for all of 30 sec and said he had asthma and prescribed a steroid inhaler. Surely there ought to be a little more investigation before declaring a young child has asthma and prescribing steroids?
Example 2) I went in for my 6 week post natal check (I'd had a c section). He asked how I was. I told him the scar still hurt. He said never mind, it will go away. He never did any kind of physical inspection
Example 3) I asked about the coil, and whether or not there were any possible side effects. He replied "absolutely none". This is clearly not true.
Example 4) I have a long standing ankle/tendon issue that's got a lot worse and is causing fairly chronic and worsening pain. He was very dismissive and told me waiting lists were long to get referred and to just pay to go privately.
Am I being over critical or is he a bit crap and can I ask to be reassigned?

[fourlegstwolegs]

Anyone? :(

[NedStarksHead]

I'd just tell the receptionist you're not getting on very well with your current GP and would she be so kind as to assign you a different one.
I do think some GP's are very dismissive and unless you're bleeding from all orifices don't take you on much! Just try a different GP :)

[LottieDoubtie]

Yes he doesn't sound great and of course you can ask be to reassigned or to jus see a different doctor any time you like!

[PollyPerky]

Your GP hasn't actually done anything wrong but he's been a bit brusque. Re the coil for example- you can find out all you need to know online.
The asthma diagnosis - many practices now have special nurses 'the asthma nurse' and clinics for asthma. There are no other investigations apart from peak flow monitors. My DC was given a peak flow monitor and asked to record levels for around 2 weeks before being diagnosed with mild asthma though no treatment was required. we did change her bedding to anti allergy. So in that sense, your GP has done the absolute minimum - diagnosis and treatment but not a full investigation.
You have a right to a 2nd opinion on your ankle so yes, he should refer you. You may have to insist. Are all the GPs there as bad or don't you know?

[scarfaceace]

He doesn't sound great does he? Ask to see a different GP and get a second opinion. (you don't have to say that's what you're going for).

Re: the asthma diagnosis. Please get it checked by the asthma nurse because if he doesn't have asthma (I hope not) but he has an asthma diagnosis on his records, it could affect any future career opportunities.

[Realitea]

He does sound a bit crap doesn't he? He doesn't have the time to listen carefully and fully assess anything. Just request which doctor you want to see. They won't ask why.