To think that it is DANGEROUS for my doctor's receptionist to give (unwanted) medical advice?!

[SylviaBells]

I have just rung my doctor's for an appointment for a persistent cough (4 weeks now, the stage at which you are generally supposed to get a cough checked) - she has asked what the appointment was for, I have told her and she has said 'well if you're not coughing anything up then it is not a chest infection and they can't do anything about it' - as a student I had a persistent cough (no mucus) and I had bronchitis! It may well be they can do nothing but a persistent cough can be the first symptom for some serious conditions (eg heart condition) which I am sure I DON'T have but she is a) not going to know that b) might put off someone who does need help.

A few weeks ago my son had an operation. I rang to get and appointment for the GP to check his stitches etc and see if he would be able to go back to school - the receptionist told me he would be fine (she hadn't seen him!)

AIBU to think that with very little information and NO MEDICAL QUALIFICATIONS she should not be telling me whether I am ill or not?!!

This sort of thing makes me really angry. It's none of the receptionist's business - your medical problem is between you and your doctor. Suppose it's genital warts, for example?

I know doctors do get fed up with seeing an endless stream of people with minor ailments like coughs and colds they can't do anything about, but like the OP says, if you've had it for four weeks, it might be serious, and how are you supposed to know?

I would complain officially to the practice manager.

As a trained Medical Receptionist, I can quite honestly say that this person is breaking rules in a very serious way.

The ONLY time it is valid to ask what an appointment is for is when a patient is requesting an emergency appointment. This is purely to look out for people saying things like "I've got chest pain", "my baby has a purple rash" etc etc as even emergency appointments can often be a few hours later and some "emergency" symptoms obviously require immediate assessment or even in some cases calling 999. However, even if a patient requesting an emergency appointment does say "I've got a cough" the emergency appointment still has to be given because, as you say, only a Dr can tell you if it is something serious or not. All it tells the Receptionist is that you can probably wait until later that day to be seen. Similarly, if a patient declines to say why they need an emergency appointment then the appointment still must be given.

There is NEVER, EVER a need for a Receptionist to know what a routine Dr's appointment is for. However, Sr's appointments are different as something such as a smear test will take longer than, say, a blood test and the right time slot needs to be allocated. If you decline to say what you need to see a Sr for then you will be allocated a standard (10 min) slot & may end up with the Sr telling you to rebook if it is not enough time. You still cannot be refused an appointment for declining to tell the Receptionist your symptoms though!

Please inform your Practice Manager. This is very bad practice indeed.

Tsk - I don't know what you are complaining about, Sylvia. You have a receptionist with a medical degree who can diagnose people, as if by magic, without even seeing them! Sheesh, some people are never satisfied. [tongue in cheek emoticon]

At my Dr's, they wont let you have an appointment without telling the receptionist what its for,
like eurochick when ive been at work and said, i cant go into it right now, they go on to say, i need to know, i cant give you an appointment if you dont tell me!

Makes it really difficult, as for my surgery you've got to ring up at 8.00 on the dot, and im usually traveling to work on the bus. Leaving it later means no appointment.

Champagnevanity - tell them you think you are having an attack of haema-dementia (it's mock-medical speak for bloodymindedness).

Good advice from jingle.
complain, in writing.
I have never been asked why i need an appointment, but i will ask for a quick appointment if i feel its urgent and they are very helpful and will fit me in asap if possible