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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

AIBU to fib to doctor's receptionist?

104 replies

lalalalyra · 03/07/2016 11:55

I think I've got a chest infection. In fact I'm pretty sure (I've had 5 in the last 2 years and have been spot on each time I've gone to the doctors). I can feel it.

The problem I have is that I'm also loaded with the cold. Have been for four weeks, so as soon as I phone and mention anything about the chest she'll ask if I've got/had a cold and then receptionists will give the 'antbiotics don't help colds' spiel. Which I know.

I've got asthma and throughout my cold my peak flow hasn't been too low (normally 500, dropped to 400/420), but yesterday it was 350 and today it's 300. I've been keeping a tight control on my asthma through it (slight increase in ventolin as normal with a cold), but I really don't want my PF to drop any lower.

I know that if you say you need an appointment for 'lady problems' the receptionists ask no questions... WIBU to phone tomorrow say that and then present with a cold/chest infection/asthma playing up? The receptionists say that they need to know as it gives the GP's a heads up on what patients are in for, but anytime I go the GP starts with "What can we do for you today?" so I don't think they read it/take it as gospel.

OP posts:
Original poster
lalalalyra · 03/07/2016 12:14

I'll say about asthma/peak flow. I got myself so wrapped in the cold thing I never even thought (I've also got a relatively new non-sleeping baby so thinking straight isn't easy).

Getting an appointment is a nightmare. The surgery has too many patients for the number of doctors as two retired and one had a bad accident in the last couple of years and they've not been able to replace them. All appointments are on the day so it's a mad scramble at 8.30am to phone and get one before they are all gone (I've phoned at 8.45am and they've all been gone before).

I don't need to see anyone specific. GP or nurse (she does prescriptions and stuff as well) will be fine, just someone to listen to my chest and prescribe what I need.

They are a nightmare surgery. If there was another provision locally I'd use it, but they are it.

Thank you.

OP posts:
Lurkedforever1 · 03/07/2016 12:15

You don't need to discuss your reasons with the receptionist at all. Just say you want an appointment, and already know that it's a doctor, rather than nurse etc that you need to see. If they argue, or refuse, ask to speak with the practice manager because you would like to resolve the issue at that level, rather than pursuing a complaint.

One particularly arsey one at ours responds well to 'oh, I think I've pressed the wrong button, it was just reception I wanted, not a telephone consultation. But as I'm through now could you just tell me which Gp or Hcp you are please as I don't think I've seen you before'

eddielizzard · 03/07/2016 12:19

yes def say you're struggling to breathe and you're asthmatic. you need to see someone desperately.

HicDraconis · 03/07/2016 12:21

You don't need to lie. You don't need to tell the receptionist anything but if it helps to keep life smooth then tell them you have an infective exacerbation of your asthma. Which is exactly what you have. Could be an infective exacerbation from a cold, flu virus, or strep pneumoniae - they're all infections and they all make asthma worse.

And yes, with that drop in your peak flow you definitely need checking up on.

mylovegoesdown · 03/07/2016 12:25

Most GP surgeries now have an automated message saying the receptionist will ask questions to be able to triage you.

I'm not a GP but a very busy MH specialist and our admin team are told to ask questions if someone wants to speak to me because often, they are better equipped to deal with the query. And if I had to call back every person who asked to speak to me when most queries can be dealt with by admin, I'd never get any clinical work done!.

RandomMess · 03/07/2016 12:26

You strongly suspect you have a chest infection, you have asthma and your peak flow is dropping...

Could I suggest that you go to your nearest walk in place today - asthma can get out of hand very quickly!!!!

Stratter5 · 03/07/2016 12:28

That's getting on for a 50% drop in PF, you NEED to see someone.

Sirona · 03/07/2016 12:29

Ds has asthma and colds always affect his chest. Soon as I mention asthma to the receptionist, he is booked in for that day.

I would also say you might be as well to go OOH today if possible. Asthma isn't something to be taken lightly as I'm sure you know.

squidgyapple · 03/07/2016 12:36

My GP surgery does have a policy of the receptionists asking you questions

  • they didn't used to it's a recent thing, but you don't have to say. Last time I was booking an appt they asked and I said 'it's a personal issue' then she asked if I could explain in more detail, but I just repeated that it was a personal issue. This was mainly because when put on the spot I could''t explain the issue quickly, and in all honesty not all receptionists are able to triage, some are v new to the job .
theredjellybean · 03/07/2016 12:41

don't worry OP , i am a gp and i do look at the note made as to why the patient is coming but dont take any notice if they waltz in and say something completely different, infact i would encourage you to say 'female problems' and if the gp then mentions the fact you appear to be here about your chest you can use it as good starting point to politely explain the problem with letting non medically trained staff make decisions about patients symptoms...however i would also say that perhaps you ought to be seen today with PFR dropping and chest tightness

ShortBreadEater · 03/07/2016 12:43

To hell with being triaged by a receptionist. I'm a fucking grown up. Timewasters will find a way to waste time triaged or not, my GP receptionists are lovely, really kind and patient, but they ask no questions other than can you wait until tomorrow morning or do you need seeing now. If GP's want to run a triage it should be by a nurse or another medical professional.

My shoulder went on Thursday AM, I can't lift my arm, or my baby, or dress myself. I rang late Thursday PM when it wasn't easing. Said I needed a doctor but could wait till Friday, and was at my appointment by 9:40 on Friday morning. I'm now on loads of nice tablets.

ShortBreadEater · 03/07/2016 12:44

I'm sure I had a more succinct point, but it's gone now. Like I said, tablets.

ThePigeon314 · 03/07/2016 12:45

Captain, I know what you mean. I'd just answer but I can imagine my father saying ''I'm sorry, I must have misheard you'' and if the receptionist repeated the question he might bluster something about not wanting to embarrass her but there'd be no way he'd discuss his medical issues with a receptionist.

JaceLancs · 03/07/2016 12:49

My GP practice has recently introduced a new system whereby you get triaged by reception - then get a phone call back from a hcp (sometimes Dr) they then decide whether you get an telephone consultation, prescription or appointment
If it's an appointment they then decide when as in how urgent
I miss the days when you could book appointments in advance, choose which Dr you want to see and if urgent ring before 9 and usually get an appointment that day

JudyCoolibar · 03/07/2016 12:55

Have you really had a cold for four weeks? Are you sure it's not catarrh or an allergy?

HopelesslydevotedtoGu · 03/07/2016 13:00

Receptionists are often told to ask by the GP partners (their bosses) to ensure patients see the right person for their problem. They are not being nosy. If you dislike the policy you can write to the practice explaining this, don't be rude or sarky with the receptionist as they are following their job description. However if they don't ask there will be a rise in wasted appointments and inappropriate appointments.

At surgeries where I've worked and receptionists haven't asked I've heard of patients booking routine appts for really urgent things like chest pain! Receptionists should have a list of complaints to trigger an urgent appt/ urgent discussion with a GP.

Also patients booking GP appts for repeat medications (can do online/ by handing in a request), repeat sick notes for long term conditions (can often do by phone), chronic disease checks, NHS health checks, dressings, travel jabs, ear syringing (all nurse only so completely wasted appt)

Original poster
lalalalyra · 03/07/2016 13:02

I miss the days when you could book appointments in advance, choose which Dr you want to see and if urgent ring before 9 and usually get an appointment that day

Me too. At ours you have to have the whole day available when you need an appointment because you ring and then if they decide you should have an appointment you get told when and with who. So you could phone at 8.30am and get an appointment for 9am, but equally it could be 4.30pm. People who work crack up.

Also if you see the doctor and they say "come back in one week" you still can't book, you've still got to go through the ring on the day palaver.

Have you really had a cold for four weeks? Are you sure it's not catarrh or an allergy?

Defintely a cold. Sore throat, runny nose (then a blocked nose, then runny again), cough and every now and again a temp (not massive, but just a little). I've only been coughing up gunk for a couple of days.

I always get colds/bugs for twice as long as anyone else in the house. The kids have all had colds as well so perhaps several colds one after the other?

OP posts:
DesignedForLife · 03/07/2016 13:04

In my experience YANBU, I'm asthmatic and my surgery receptionist refused me an appointment when heavily pregnant my asthma suddenly deteriorated - the doctors didn't see asthma patients and the nurses on saw asthma patients on Thursday's and I was phoning on a Friday. I had to lie, maybe I should have written a letter though as that's a stupid system and could have landed someone less aware in A&E or worse.

sharknad0 · 03/07/2016 13:04

they did they would be quickly told it's absolutely none of their business.

The receptionists here always ask, but they are just doing their job. That way, I had an appointment within 2 hours when it was urgent, whilst I had to wait 3 weeks for a non-urgent issue. Patients don't have an issue with it, we just wish there were more doctors available, but that's another issue

NowWhat1983 · 03/07/2016 13:06

No fibbing needed.

your asthma is worsening and you need to be seen

Wolpertinger · 03/07/2016 13:08

You need to present your reason clearly and by saying 'cold' you are doing yourself a disservice. You aren't going with a cold, you are going with deteriorating asthma so you must say so.

If you do this each time you ring up, take 5 minutes and try to think in medical speak why you want to go, you will get past the receptionist a lot easier.

For example even if you didn't have asthma - temperature not resolving after 4 weeks sounds a lot better than 'cold'.

trafalgargal · 03/07/2016 13:16

My old surgery none of the receptionists ever probed except one who was also aggressive and unpleasant . My friends mum used to reply when she was asked what wrong with her "I'm not well" and repeated it when pushed. Always got her an appointment I suppose because the receptionist couldn't claim it was trivial or could wait with such limited info.

MunchyMunchkin · 03/07/2016 13:17

Agree with pps to mention your asthma and you'll be seen. However it sounds like you need to be seen and started on antibiotics/steroids today to prevent further deterioration.

KateSpade · 03/07/2016 13:23

My doctors surgery is a nightmare. If you don't tell the receptionist what your issue is you do not get an appointment.

I've recently been turned down a doctors appt (period trouble) as the receptionist didn't deem it important enough, I kid you not!

Heatherplant · 03/07/2016 13:27

The receptionist probably feels as bloody awkward about this as you. It came in at my local practice as some people were booking doctors appointments for non medical stuff (passport forms signing being the only example I can remember off hand) it was a few years ago now. If the patient just said 'it's a private matter' or 'ongoing condition' then it was no big deal.