How many times have you seen your GP/doctor in the last year?

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Four times for me, which feels like quite a lot. Twice to report bleeding in between periods, once to check prescription medication and once because I was worrying that leg pain might be caused by a dvt (it wasn't, and I was embarrassed to waste their time). So really, I take up a lot of NHS resources in spite of being a basically healthy middle aged woman. All I can say in my favour is that I don't bother them with colds or sore throats or the joint pain I get that I assume is OA. Just wondered if this is typical of how others use their GP. Do you think 4 visits a year makes you one of those nuisance patients that they dread seeing?

I haven't seen mine for just over a year. I've been lucky with health. I had regular appointments about 18 years ago when I was suffering with depression, but otherwise it's every 3 years for contraception and smear and once in between if I'm unlucky.

DD needs to go approximately once a year, usually an infection of some sort.

DH is a frequent flyer. He has a long term condition which is more a nuisance than anything worse, but leaves him prone to extra little treats like infections and back problems, so he has regular meds for the underlying condition and maybe 2-3 other problems each year that need help.

At our GP surgery if you haven’t been for 2 years they send a letter asking if you were still in the are and if you don’t reply within a month they discharge you

I don't actually know. Let's see... I certainly don't think four times is remarkable at all.

I have a few longterm illnesses, and one was bothering me a lot about a year ago, and I had a change of meds, and at one point saw the GP (at her request) about once a fortnight. It got sorted in a few months, though, so that's about eight times maybe?

On top of that, my asthma review flagged up an issue, and I had to see the GP for that. It might need to see her again in a week or two, unless I can sort the issue over the phone.

So let's say ten times. But I count myself as doing quite well. I've not had to be referred to any specialists, or to see anyone at the hospital.

Easier for us to deal with you in 10 separate apts than to save it all up and expect us to sort it in one. Had one patient come in with a 20+point problem list!

Except for holiday jabs, I've not needed to visit my GP since I was approx 10 years old. I'm now 46! Must be genetic as my 81 year old mother never goes and takes no medication either.

Hmm. Once a fortnight for a couple of months isn't eight, is it? It was probably six or seven times last year, then.

I'm sure there's a statistical average for how many times people have appointments in a year, but that won't be the same as "normal". Like this thread shows, there are plenty of people who've just been healthy and haven't needed a doctor, and others less lucky who need a lot of appointments for legitimate reasons, without being nuisance patients.

Our GP has moved to a new premises. I definitely have not visited the new building, and they have been there since 2010. As to how long before that I visited I would guess probably 5 or 6 years? So at a guess last visited 14-15 years ago. Probably got wiped from their records!

Probably about 10 times since this time last year. However, I have mental health issues and am on antidepressants as a result so I am meant to go for regular 6 week reviews.
I have also been twice about severe period pain to try and find an effective medication for that.

Seen a GP more times than I can remember in the past 12 months. Perhaps 10-15 times?

For myself it's been 3 times (and once for a smear with the nurse)

3rd time I was referred elsewhere so didn't need to go back to GP.

If you wanted to ask how many times the kids have been, well that's quite shocking (but 14mo is disabled and has to be checked for even the slightest temperature!)

No visits in the last year
2 visits in the last 16 years

Never, seen the midwife for routine checks but not the doctor. Couldn’t tell you the last time I made an appointment for myself.

DramaAlpaca thank you for the update.

The last time I seen a GP would have been for my 6 week check after I had my daughter. She will be 4 this year.

GP twice one to raise concerns and one to get test results from raising that concern. I also went to minor injuries once as I sliced my finger badly with a bread knife and ended up being glued back together.

It's quite common also for apts to come in waves! For example you present with a symptom, we monitor to see if it gets better, arrange to meet again in a few weeks, then order bloods, meet/telephone to discuss, meet again to consider specialist referral/referral for imaging etc.. then get a diagnosis, treat and all settles down for a few years!

Many many times, I have 5 main physical conditions and 2 main MH conditions.

I have been lucky enough that when really needed they have done house calls and Im not going to try and count the number of phone appointments or triage phone assessments.

I have only had a handful of house calls as I won't let them visit if there is absolutely any alternative such a phone appointment instead.

So some bits covered are my smear test was done last year by GP (everyone else gets it tricky to do, she is best at it), weigh-ins to do with disordered eating, I have unstable BP which needs regular checking also have ambulatory monitor approx every 3 months, 3 big MH meltdowns last year, dressings, follow-ups and referrals down for several consultants, medication reviews, blood tests, flu jabs and ECG

At the GP suggestion, I have a regular slot booked in by the GP at the end of each appointment approx 4-6 weeks apart and always a double as it means they are updated for the records what has been happening via hospitals, what is planned to happen and why and when and where if I know, what results of any is available (by checking the ECR) and any actions or follow-ups that need to be taken as a result and any prescriptions or referrals done on the spot. Its the only way for us to keep on top of everything.

On Sat night past, I aspirated vomit into lungs so started antibiotics after speaking to OHH GP on phone as while they can hear I am a bit gaspy breathing, there isn't a lot extra they can do while antibiotics kick in which I have now had 4 doses have anti sickness to go with it if needed and have a tank of oxygen sitting ready if I need it.

I worked out recently the basic cost of my monthly medication according to the Drug Tariff which is a basic £600 min per month.

I described myself to one of the GPs as "heartsink" as there isn't a pile can be done about some things, apparently Im not as I keep asking questions and looking answers and trying to find my own solutions (but I need back up to do safely), there are identified conditions there but what is usually prescribed cant be for various reasons which I have tried in the past to detrimental effects,

0 times. I have several ailments but can’t get an appointment.

1. I saw the nurse for my flu jab in October. Haven’t been with DS for a year or longer either.

I need to go in for a check up, but wanted to get my BMI down first- now I’m a stone lighter I can face going.

1. I haven't seen a doctor since April 2017, and that was because I needed some vaccinations to be allowed to emigrate to the USA. I got my flu jab done this year at Walmart, which was very convenient!

Ds had complex surgery a haemorrhage and post OP infection been 5 times this year
DD 2 chronic life threatening conditions and a persistent issue that causes infections 3 times this year
Me osteoporosis a chronic lung condition and allergies and asthma see consultants more than my Gp
Not ashamed of a single visit glad we have access to the care we do. Would pay for it glad we and others who can't afford to pay for it don't have to at.point of access
Glad the OP can feel so smug about herself

Years for me, in last 9 years ive been twice. Dd 6 week check and once for antibiotics for a cold that just wouldn't go, I'd had it for weeks by then. Dd was 5yo by then
I have a needle phobia so avoid even places I may see them or be told I may need one.
I'm generally physically healthy and don't get sick often at all. Mentally? eh..... the system here is shit and only makes issues worse so it's pointless even trying to get help

Once. Seen the nurse once too.