GP won't see DS without a covid test

You can get tests easily and cheaply from Amazon. Seems totally logical to me for the GO to want to rule out Covid before investigating anything else.

MN is so fucking weird about Covid.

I bought a spate covid test kit from superdrugs, I would think most chemist's would stock it.

I presume you’re basing that opinion on having all the facts to hand? Cost of vaccines and information campaign vs cost of treatments, ambulances, inpatient treatment for those eligible for Covid vaccination?

Oh wait, I’m not presuming that at all because it’s clear you’re just bluster.

I was recently asked to test for flu by my gp to rule it out. How's your theory now?

It's mad now to insist on this test. They don't insist on a flu test. Almost as mad as the NHS still wasting millions on advertising the jab.

I think that this might be about testing for Covid to rule it out. If it is Covid, there’s no need for a face to face GP appointment. It’s a virus, so it can’t be treated with antibiotics. You don’t go to the GP if it’s a cold or even if it’s flu, as these are viruses.

They always say to consult your GP if symptoms persist for longer than a few days, in case you have a chest infection that requires antibiotics.

The OP’s DS should just purchase Covid tests, you can get the result in 30 minutes.

Could it just be that they want to rule out Covid? As for the possibility that the GP might be vulnerable etc well this is true, but no one else is insisting on Covid tests.

Remember, lots of younger people had Covid without a symptom. When I had it the second time I would have thought it was a cold.
How many people are getting on busses, going to school, attending other appointments, going to the supermarket etc with full Covid and no idea? Remember that during the height of it the most dangerous profession for catching it was a bus driver.

Of course the GP wants to protect themselves but everyone else is just getting on. Last week DH had three different appointments with different parts of the healthcare system. Some in the hospital, some in clinics. None of those required him to have a Covid test or wear a mask.

Seems like a lot more work than just purchasing a Covid test, which are still sold at my local Boots, Superdrug, etc. Unlikely to get a reply for several days, by which time the patient will probably be better.

Not unreasonable if he/she is using the result as a process of elimination which will affect the treatment plan.

I don't think it unreasonable to ask for a test. I think this would be s responsible thing to do without being asked. If the GP .gets it then he/she viukd be ill and also not available to treat others.

I would email the practice manager and ask to see their most up to date Covid policy and/or Health board Standard Operating Procedures ( SOPs).
It would be my opinion ( working in healthcare) that these tests are no longer required and that the gp is being unreasonable to request this

Who owns the in-house pharmacy? Is it owned by the GPs (very rare) or is it an independent business that rents space in the building?

What if it’s positive, will they refuse to see you?

As a result of this thread I bought two covid tests from Boots yesterday to keep just in case.

I'm sorry but your son is an adult. He should take a test and get on with it instead of calling his mother to have a cry about it.

Totally fair enough that the GP wants to reduce their chances of getting Covid themselves or having it thrown about like confetti in their waiting room to their vulnerable patients.

Just buy a box of tests and keep them in the medicine cabinet. Then continue benefiting from free first world medical care while taking it for granted and carrying on like an entitled tit.

FFS. Imagine sulking about such a solvable problem.

People complain about not being able to get a gp appt, and yet here is a GP trying to reduce their chances of catching covid and needing to take time off sick, and still people are unhappy. That's just not logical.

I go to a hospital clinic every 6 months. A covid test beforehand is completely routine. Order them online and keep a pack for such eventualities.

Seems obvious to me, and basic good manners.

Exactly this.

So you would prefer no GP to one who asks for a COVID test in order to protect themself, staff and other patients?

Right. Because the GP may be a pregnant woman or an immunocompromised individual. Such a wimp not wanting to die or put their child at risk.

@Duckskitbank what a charming person you are!

So you think you know better than government statistics? Are you going to make the ridiculous "with COVID not from COVID" argument? Are you going to discount all the long term health problems that Covid brings if (like most people) the initial infection doesn't kill you?

COVID is bad news. Avoid infection at all costs.

They can't expect you to pay for a test in order to make an appointment. Not for an NHS GP. As then healthcare isn't universal and free at the point of delivery.

If they provide them for free to you then it would be an unusual policy but not ridiculous.

This was exactly my thoughts too!

I’d assumed it was to rule out specific illnesses and help with what to prescribe rather than to refuse to see him.

@Duckskitbank you make a compelling argument.

I had Pneumonia last month (though didn't realise it at the time) I was on my own with a young baby as DH had gone away with work. I've never felt so ill in my life and was getting seriously worried for both myself and my poor baby who was in my sole care.

I rang the GP to request an appointment as I knew something was wrong with me, the receptionist asked if I'd done a Covid test, I said no. She said I had to do a Covid test before the Dr would see me. I said I was on my own, incredibly ill with a young baby, I live rurally, how on earth was I going to be able to get a Covid test. I pretty much broke down sobbing and begged them to see me, she reluctantly agreed but said I had to stay outside in the car park and they would come out to me.

I was blue lighted to the hospital where an hour later I was throwing up and passing out! I dread to think what would have happened if they hadn't seen me.

So YANBU, it's ridiculous, there's so many strains of flu/ covid around nowadays, asking people to test before they agree to see is just insane. Especially if they're not willing to provide people with tests.