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AIBU?

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Original poster

Why tell the receptionist why I'm seeing the doctor

379 replies

Eldermileniummam · 19/06/2025 07:23

Why do they ask this? Is it so they can give you an appointment with the appropriate person or some other reason?

I usually don't mind but sometimes I'm embarrassed to say and never sure how specific I need to be.

OP posts:
Moonnstars · 19/06/2025 07:25

Yes I believe it's so they can identify whether it's urgent or whether you might be more comfortable with a practitioner of the same sex. Sometimes it's also to do with whether seeing a nurse would be suitable rather than a GP.
You could always just say it's a personal matter and you do not wish to disclose it over the phone or say you do not feel comfortable sharing this information when you speak to the receptionist but this might delay where they see you as needing help.

Goody2ShoesAndTheFilthyBeast · 19/06/2025 07:25

To see how urgent it is and whether you need a gp or nurse i think.

BeamMeUpCountMeIn · 19/06/2025 07:25

So they can prioritise requests. It might also be so they can allocate them to the best GP, they all seem to have a specialist area.

Agix · 19/06/2025 07:25

So they can tell you to bugger off and go to the pharmacy, honestly.