Would you go to the doctors for non urgent appointments?

[PotsofChoc]

I couple of weeks ago I booked a doctors appointment for Tue, I’ve had the contraceptive implant for a few years but have randomly started bleeding on and off. I am not sure whether to cancel the appointment as although I need to see someone it isn’t urgent. Just wondered if you would go? I work, have kids at school etc so I’m not isolating or anything but don’t fancy sitting in a packed waiting room at the moment.

Yes, I would go.

Unexplained bleeding is a symptom which needs to be checked. In many cases, the likely cause is benign (polyps, mild erosion) but there are also others which are serious and need to be caught as early as possible

Is your surgery still open?

Yes, I’d go while you still can.

My doctors’ surgery has cancelled all non routine appointments.

Sorry, it has cancelled all routine appointments!

I would go as had similar year ago.. Just breakthrough bleeding but was checked....

I had a text to say my routine appointment has been replaced by a phone call from a doctor. I pressume its a general message to all as appointment is with nurse for an injection 💉🙈... So not sure how that'll work!

Are they doing online/telephone appointments? I'd hope so, in which case maybe that should be the first step and the GP can decide if you need an in person examination or tests?

Mine has closed for all non urgent appointments. They are only doing telephone appointments at the moment. So maybe you won't have a choice.

GPs are not taking a role in testing or seeing Coronavirus patients it appears. It’s via 111 and hospitals. Mine has made all appointments via telephone unless there’s a reason to go in person. And you are definitely not allowed to go if high risk or symptomatic.

I have an appointment next week for a routine examination and there were happy to book me in.

my GP’s are operating by telephone appointments from tomorrow

I have a smear booked this week, waiting to see if they cancel it. If they don't, then I'll go.

Any symptom where there is a real possibility you could be referred under the 2 Week Rule still needs to be seen. This sounds like one of them, though there are also many non-malignant possibilities