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AIBU?

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Original poster

Was my GP being rude or am I just overreacting?

86 replies

Ozbarbie · 19/09/2018 05:39

Hi all!!!

It's been bugging me for a couple of days. I went to my usual GP for a follow up appointment as I've have been quite ill over winter. We usually have a good rapport (or so I thought). There were a couple of issues to discuss which was listening to my chest, recurrent uti and a repeat script. I didn't think these were too major and a 15 minute appointment would be satisfactory.

Now this doctor is very popular and she mostly ALWAYS runs 20-30 mins late. It is a very expensive private clinic and is $90 for a consult in which I barely get back anything from Medicare here in Australia. I don't mind paying this money because she is an excellent doctor and it's worth the time and travel.

So I get called in my my appointment which was originally at 9.45am at 10.10am. We then start discussing my issues (she talks a lot and explains everything in detail). We discuss the first 2 and then I ask for a repeat script as I'm running out of medicine which I need. She then gets funny on me and asked me what the time was (it's now 10.25am) and then says she only has a 10 min consult and 5 mins to write up her clinical notes and now she will run late? I was a bit taken aback, I didn't think I was being demanding, I don't usually discuss more than issue at one given time and I'm quite aware of the surgery's policy on issues (no more than 3 to be discussed in a 15 min consult).

I apologised to her but I have felt quite cross afterwards because I felt it was a bit unfair and considering I'm paying good money for her time.

Was she just having an off day? I really can't work it out. It's taken me so long to find a good GP, I don't want to change to another again. I don't want to make a complaint (I don't have the time or energy).

OP posts:
stellabird · 19/09/2018 09:59

Sounds as if she was having a bad day, OP. I'm also in Oz and seeing a GP for 3 fairly minor things shouldn't be a problem. I saw my doc today for blood pressure checkup, a quick talk about a bowel problem I've been having, and 3 repeat scripts which only needed him to press a button and his PC printed them off . I was in and out within 10 minutes which is the clinic's normal appointment time.

Give her another chance but if she keeps it up I'd be looking for someone else.

out4thecount · 19/09/2018 10:35

I'm a GP in Australia. It's not possible to say whether you're being reasonable or unreasonable from your post. From a GP's point of view there could be a few things going on. Here are a few of my thoughts.

Was the repeat script for something very simple that doesn't require monitoring or something that requires a consultation in itself like a repeat of the contraceptive pill/antidepressant/blood pressure tablet? A "repeat prescription" request usually requires a review since they usually last for 6-12 months supply in Australia.

Did you mention that there were 3 issues at the start of the consult? If a person mentions only one or two problems at the start I will go in to things in detail (you may feel short changed if you've booked 15mins and are finished in 7), whereas if I'm aware there are 3 or 4 issues I can prioritise and manage my time to suit. If as I'm wrapping up the patient mentions another issue it can be a bit stressful and frustrating that they weren't mentioned at the beginning so I could deal with them all properly and safely.

I know that $90 is a lot of money (you'll probably have got a $37 rebate from medicare) but if 15mins is what you've booked and 2 problems take 15mins then unfortunately your appointment has been used up and you may need to rebook for further problems. Like your GP I have a gap fee. My patients choose to come to me for a variety of reasons, but many tell me it's because I'm thorough, I explain things to them in detail and take time to listen to their concerns. This means I can't deal with as many problems in one consult some of my colleagues. Unfortunately sometimes we all run late, for example if we see a suicidal patient who needs more time or have to arrange an admission to hospital.

Lastly sometimes everyone has a bad day. Your GP could have been stressed for a whole host of reasons not to do with you and you may have suffered for it. If you've previously had a good relationship I'd give her another go and even bring up your feelings with her if you feel you can. If you don't feel you want to go back to her, the great thing about the Aussie system (unlike the UK system) is that you can see any GP in the country if you want to change, and if you choose a bulk billing doctor you can see them for free.

Original poster
Ozbarbie · 19/09/2018 10:58

cueominousmusic...

Seriously? I asked a question about my experience with my GP? This is not a debate about public vs private?? Geez.

But considering I have lived in Australia all my life, thanks for the advice.

OP posts:
Original poster
Ozbarbie · 19/09/2018 11:05

Out4thecount...

Thanks for your logical advice. Yes I probably should have said upfront there were 3 things. So really it was just 2 issues please a repeat prescription for a PPI which I need long term. The 2 issues took longer because she explains everything in depth and perhaps I should have known better and booked a double appointment in the first place. In between appointments I had gone for a renal ultrasound which was just a quick discussion as the results were normal.

I have certainly learnt my lesson not too do that again!! It was an error on my part but I also didn't think it warranted her getting snarky with me, which in turn has made me question her services, as I said she almost like a friend!

OP posts:
Original poster
Ozbarbie · 19/09/2018 11:06

Stellabird...

Yes this is generally like me in and out in 10 minutes. I'm not a pain in the arse patient like some people!!!!!! She knows me, which is why I'm puzzled and probably a little hurt!!!

OP posts:
Original poster
Ozbarbie · 19/09/2018 11:08

Constantvigilance...

Oh dear that is terrible. Honestly I have encountered some pretty rude GP's in my life too. Some just don't understand the true impact of such comments and can be very black and white in their thinking. No doctor should ever be dismissive of anxiety and depression!!

OP posts:
Original poster
Ozbarbie · 19/09/2018 11:11

Cueominousmusic...

I also never claimed to not have a choice. Of course I have choice. I can choose to see a bulk billed doctor or not. There are no bulk billed doctors in my area, so that means travelling to other suburbs to see one.

Please get your facts right before you choose to make snarky comments.

OP posts:
RedDwarves · 19/09/2018 11:18

She was rude.

But it's wiser to go to bulk billing doctors/walk in clinics for minor issues and for prescriptions. I do this. No way would I pay for a consultation to get a script for the pill or antibiotics or something.

Also, I'm not quite sure why you've said you need to have PHI in Australia? You don't. Most people don't have PHI. The Medicare system caters to the majority more effectively and with less strain than the NHS does UK patients.

but it's better for us to have private health instead of paying a huge medicare levy

You still pay the Medicare Levy when you have PHI. You don't pay the surcharge. Most people wouldn't pay the surcharge anyway, as they don't earn above the threshold.

differentnameforthis · 19/09/2018 11:19

I LOVE my bulk-billing dr. He always runs late, but always gives me the time I need and has been AMAZING in finding help/doing referrals/paperwork for dd to get her help with asd.

The dr I saw before him always ran hideously late (2.15 call in for a 1pm appt, anyone??) made me feel rushed, passed me from pillar to post when trying to get referrals for dd, told me her asd related behaviour was naughtiness, and didn't believe the pediatrician when they confirmed that dd had severe sensory issues. And he charged me $60 each time for the pleasure!!

So much for questionable care under bulk-billing.

Original poster
Ozbarbie · 19/09/2018 11:20

RedDwarves

As I said I don't want to enter into a discussion about private vs public. It honestly does my head in and my question was not about that. And yes we do have to pay the medicare levy surcharge, so it's cheaper for us to have PHI than to pay the surcharge. Thanks.

OP posts:
stevesmithsmum · 19/09/2018 11:24

We aren't lucky enough to have a system like the NHS

The Aus system is much better than the NHS. I’m familiar with both.

Original poster
Ozbarbie · 19/09/2018 11:25

Cantchoose...

I'm so sorry this happened to you, that's terrible. I completely understand the stress doctor's are under and I'm sorry that you are feeling this way. I hope you can get out asap!

OP posts:
Original poster
Ozbarbie · 19/09/2018 11:26

stevesmithsmum...

Yes I'm familiar with both too and no I wouldn't want to be treated by the NHS at the moment either...

OP posts:
RB68 · 19/09/2018 11:35

But in return I would have fed back that she does over talk so uses time up. They re pressured into dealing with only x no per appt in the UK - 4 min appt here - what the hell can you deal with in that time - also if its not urgent then its a 3 week wait for an appt as well.

And as for phoning them wouldn't bother - 16 phone calls it took me to get through the other morning - won't be doing that again (they changed the phone system). The other issue is they open at 8.30 - peak time for mums on school runs or on way to work (and lets face it its mostly women calling) so a real pain in the ass

DarlingNikita · 19/09/2018 11:40

I've only second-hand experience of private healthcare (my DP used to get it through work) and in the UK, but I'd have been very surprised if his private GP had run this late or been this rude to a patient.

I'd FIND the time and energy to write a complaint.

Original poster
Ozbarbie · 19/09/2018 11:42

RB68...

4 mins!! That's crazy. Yes and I agree about trying to get through on the phone. We have a great app here now called HealthEngine that allows online bookings for GP surgeries which helps!!

OP posts:
Original poster
Ozbarbie · 19/09/2018 11:43

DarlingNikita...

I know but is it worth it?? I've already got so much stuff going on, this has already taken up too much of my time! I shall give her another chance, as I think it's only fair and then see how it goes.

OP posts:
BloodyDisgrace · 19/09/2018 11:55

Refusing to press the button on a computer screen to issue a repeat prescription is unreasonable and unprofessional even when it is free healthcare as is here in UK. Bloody cheek if you are paying. I'd say "No, I work and I don't have enough time for a second appointment just for a prescription. Please do it now"

Like they think we sit around all day and can come for an appointment at a drop of the hat, and don't have awkward managers/home demands/don't have to carve time out for this. Doctors should be better than this. I'd mention to yours that she is late.

StormTreader · 19/09/2018 12:17

"Yes this is generally like me in and out in 10 minutes. I'm not a pain in the arse patient like some people!!!!!! She knows me, which is why I'm puzzled and probably a little hurt!!!"

That may be why - she may have seen your name in the list and thought "Great! I can make up a good 7 minutes there because shes always quick" and then got annoyed when you used the time she thought she'd get back. The time that you PAID for, incidentally. I'd be annoyed. You're being sold short.

Original poster
Ozbarbie · 19/09/2018 12:23

Stormtrader...

I never thought like that but yes that is quite possible!!! Geez, that would be a bit mean wouldn't it though??!!!

OP posts:
out4thecount · 19/09/2018 12:29

A PPI script is usually pretty quick and usually doing that at an end of a consult wouldn't bother me. However when I issue a repeat PPI I do usually like to check how long the person has been on it, why they're on it, whether they still have symptoms, whether they've had an endoscopy and when, whether they've tried to reduce or stop the PPI as per current guidance for reflux treatment (if that's what they're on it for) and what happened if they did and discuss the data on increased cardiac risk with PPI. It's not "just pressing a button on a computer" even though that's what it might look like. I'm responsible for the scripts I issue and I like to do it safely.

Original poster
Ozbarbie · 19/09/2018 12:32

out4thecount...

Yes have had all that and we had a quick discussion but will talk about it more next year. I have a sliding hernia which causes pain and terrible ongoing reflux.

OP posts:
Peterrabbitscarrots · 19/09/2018 12:43

I'd FIND the time and energy to write a complaint.

What reply would you expect though? “Sorry for not doing something you asked me after your time was up?”

out4thecount · 19/09/2018 12:46

It's good that you had that discussion. She sounds thorough. Going through those things and writing it up will have probably taken a good few minutes. I've experienced crap GPs (as a patient) so I know they're out there but yours sounds good TBH.

I suppose it's the old quick vs cheap vs good argument... you can pick any 2 of the 3 but rarely get all 3.

Original poster
Ozbarbie · 19/09/2018 12:51

out4thecount...

Yes she is very good, very up to date and knowledgeable! I think she was a bit stressed today, which is unlike her. She's usually full of life, so could have been some crappy patients before me who annoyed her but disappointing for me nonetheless, as I do think the world of her.

I usually only visit twice a year, but a lot more over winter and with having pneumonia.

So off topic but reading about the latest guidelines on the rcgps websites and links to pneumonia with long term use of PPI's, I hope this is not the case with me!!!

OP posts: