How to phrase this in letter to GP?

[54isanopendoor]

I have a history of being on double crutches since 2003 & have had many foot surgeries also. In 2019 it was suggested I get my ankles 'fused' but I was nervous about this & asked for time to think. Long NHS delay anyway. Then Covid etc.

I saw GP recently & reported that I am having further issues & asked to be referred back to that Consultant I last saw in 2019.
GP said that I have flat feet & recommended that I 'go to Boots & get some insoles which I've found very useful. I use them for all my dog walks now'.
I tried to make my case in surgery but GP having none of it.
I have called the small local hospital & cannot refer to Ortho directly.
GP is head of practice in small rural area. Neighbouring practices are not taking on new patients.

I am trying to draft a letter to go on my file asking GP to reconsider.
I am having trouble with the tone.
Any suggestions for a brief skeletal plan please?

Anyone?

Can you access your notes? If so why not find the letter explaining their thoughts, then you can direct the GP to that.

Maybe

Dear doctor,

Thank you for your advice during my last appointment.

I’m sorry to say that looking back I don’t think you were aware of all my long history of foot surgeries and the detail of my ongoing issues. If you look at the clinic letter from X on X date it gives a good summary, and suggests re-referral if I want to consider further surgical treatment in the future.

Given my history, would you please reconsider your decision? I would like to discuss my treatment options with a surgeon.

Yours sincerely,

X

I do t really understand, you tried to make your case for what?? You’ve said the insole suggestion has helped a lot, what are you asking the GP to do?

See a different GP and ask for a referral?

I think that's a quote, the GP said they use them for dog walks

This is the kind of thing you can put into ChatGPT. ‘Draft a semi-formal letter to a GP asking that they reconsider their refusal to refer the patient to orthotics’. You can then tweak as you wish.

Here you go - I had it open:

Dear Dr. [Doctor's Last Name],

I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to respectfully request a reconsideration of your decision to not refer me to an orthotics specialist.

Living with [brief description of medical condition or symptoms] has been challenging, and I have been advised that orthotics could significantly improve my quality of life and mobility. I understand your expertise as a general practitioner, but I believe a collaborative approach with an orthotics specialist could provide me with the best care possible.

Please reconsider this referral, and I am more than willing to provide any additional information or records that might assist in your evaluation.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely etc

Obviously adapt as appropriate to your situation.

Oh, I really misread that didn’t I ! Sorry OP.

Then yes, get a second opinion, and tell them you’ve tried the insoles but they didn’t help, so now you definitely need that referral.

Just for reference, don’t use the letter above as you need orthopaedics, not orthotics. Orthotics don’t do surgery.

Apologies, that’s my fault for misreading ‘ortho’. You can replace the words as necessary.

Hello.
Thanks for all replies.
I am normally good at writing letters but I feel so 'done in' by the intransigence of GP that I feel unable to draft anything that isn't rather less polite than these.

Yes, its the GP who wears insoles & cheerfully suggested that I 'pop to Boots' to get some. She previously suggested I do the same for any 'supplements' when I saw her re menopause as 'she's sailed through'. She either doesn't see the difference between her & her patient or she doesn't give a damn? (more likely!)

However, I can only access the Consultant via her so I need to send something polite. She knows all the salient details already. I asked about notes access & it takes 'at least 2 months as we are so busy'. Hmmm. So I just need to draft it now.

I suspect it won't 'work' but at least I will know it is on my notes.

Well, I filled in the Podiatry self referral form.
I sent it, with a short and polite letter to the GP requesting a re-referral to Ortho, including 2 letters from the Consultant from 4 years back saying how complex my feet were & offering further input. I delivered it by hand (I'm across the road) marked FAO the GP. That was on the 1st. I've not had an acknowledgement yet.

Send a written / email complaint to the practice manager.

Update: I heard nothing from GP until 14th Aug. During a GP phone call I received on a different matter (some urgent blood results) I mentioned my letter & was told that the referral had been done & reception were supposed to call you & tell you'. I asked for a copy of the letter but have not had it yet.

Called hospital today. A referral was put in, but not until 30th Aug.
The current waiting list is 41 weeks. Erk!

Oh goodness this is so dreadful. Words fail me.