Doctors insisting on phone appointments

[ShartGoblin]

My doctor is very strange and they don't offer in person appointments unless necessary so they insist on phone appointments. I do get their logic, they are trying to be more efficient and cut down on unnecessary appointments. However, the appointment I'm trying to make is to have my contraceptive implant removed because it has run out but they won't let me book one, I have to have a phone appointment instead. This is really strange isn't it? I've booked it and I'll do it because I have to but I'm struggling to see how this is making more efficient use of their time unless they plan on posting me a scalpel and talking me through it myself. Even if they wanted to talk me through the various options, it's still run out so it needs to be removed regardless!

Also to make matters more annoying the appointment can't actually be booked, just the day with a window from 8am-6pm and if I miss the call because I'm at work I have to start all over again

The appointments I could get for my implant to be removed were at another surgery and isn't easy to get there when you rely on public transport.

I booked in at a local sexual health clinic instead to get it removed.

Our surgery does this and its very efficient as they then make you an appointment with the right person at the right time if an in person appointment is needed, and can also make sure you have all the information gathered ahead - for instance getting bloods done before seeing them

Hmm yes possibly doesn’t need a doctor to say that needs a physical appointment.

Overall this system does seem to work and the doctors are often able to allocate longer appointments based on the needs picked up during the phone call.

Maybe try your sexual health clinic?

I booked in at a local sexual health clinic instead to get it removed.

Yes it's been a nightmare, I had to change doctors to even get this far. I rely on public transport too so will have to use annual leave as it is. Sadly in my area sexual health clinics have been on the receiving end of massive budget cuts so they no longer offer their services to anyone over 25. It ran out a year ago and I've even tried going private but only coil removal is offered privately.

My surgery tried this and the receptionist was annoyed because I needed to physically see my doctor as it was asthma-related

Then had doctor on phone appointment tell me I needed to be seen in person and should have known this

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