Are GPs seeing people face to face now?

[TwooThirty]

I just had a phone call from my GP surgery asking me to come in for a face to face appointment ASAP.

Like many GP surgeries it’s been ‘closed’ for ages as the vast majority of appointments have been over the phone so I feel a bit worried that they want me to go in.

But if GPs have started opening up again then maybe this isn’t anything out of the ordinary and I don’t need to be so worried?

How old are you? Is it your 40+ MOT?

Ours have been seeing people face to face for months.

Dh has twice in the last month but only after being triaged by a phone appointment. One was for a same day appointment, another was two weeks on.

I have seen my gp for the first time in two years last week.

I have to say I have a lot of symptoms of heart failure and they was reluctant to see me. Maybe you have a eager Dr? Try not to worry. Mine has gone back to sleep after my chest x ray was normal

Mine has been seeing you face to face for the past 4/5 months. No triage by phone, just book an appointment and attend.

A few are seeing people as before covid, most are only seeing people face to face if there is an exceptional reason. If they're calling you, presumably you have some idea of what it is about?

@girlmom21

How old are you? Is it your 40+ MOT?

Ours have been seeing people face to face for months.

No, I’m in my thirties. That’s good to know they’re seeing people face to face again as the norm. Last month mine definitely weren’t but maybe now they are.

I’m 99% sure I just have some kind of gallstone issue and when the phone rang I thought it would be them saying “ok we’ve referred you for a scan”. Maybe it’s policy to have a face to face before they can make a referral.

I’m thrown by the ‘ASAP’ and the face to face. I need to stop worrying and keep busy I think.

Still not in my area. 10 days just to speak to the GP on the phone. Then he decides if he wants to see you. It could be 3 weeks! Is it any wonder our local A&E is rammed?

That’s terrible @FatAnkles

We’re very lucky to have same day telephone appointments (if you ring early enough) but the caveat is that they’ll call you at any time rather than give you an expected time slot. So, not great if you’re in the middle of a meeting etc. Still I appreciate it’s a hundred times better than a ten day wait.

Mine asks for a negative pcr test before attending!

Mine has done f2f throughout the pandemic. Obviously a lot more e-consults and strict phone triage but this is definitely loosening off a bit. I am responsible for the care of an elderly relative and they were seen by both nurses and G.P as required throughout. I was very impressed with our surgery after hearing about other people's difficulties getting to even speak to anyone.

I've just waited five weeks for a telephone appointment, resulting in my disability benefits being suspended again.Our surgery is still locked up. All communication via intercom and no-one allowed in.

No. Our surgery is like Fort Knox. Rarely even answer the phone.
Been waiting six weeks for blood test results.

Ok, I’ve had the appointment. I had to wait for someone to let me in via the intercom and there were messages all over the door saying no entry and the door was locked. But once I was in there was one other person in the waiting room so they must be seeing some people face to face now.

GP wanted to do a physical exam before referring me so it makes sense that I had to go in in person. And I’m grateful that I was able to! I’m sorry for anyone who’s been left waiting and waiting for an appointment.

Following my first jab on 28th Feb, I have had pains in my knees, elbows, wrists, balance problems, short term memory problems, shaky speech and vertigo.
I contacted the GP in early April, but had to wait for a phone appointment, which happened on 23rd April. I was then scheduled X rays and blood tests on 28th April.
The blood tests went missing and the GP phoned to say nothing wrong with my knees.
The symptoms got worse and following me pestering the surgery, they said they would arrange an appointment for a specialist rheumatolgist.
I had to book the appointment online, but every one of the four health centres said - No appointments available.
Following more phone calls, I have been told I will face at least a 14 week wait.
I still have not seen a GP face to face and I am in extreme pain.

But you had/have referrals. What do you expect a GP to do face to face @andyoldlabour? (I’m not being goody, I am genuinely interested in understanding.)

Fort Knox at mine too.

TwooThirty

How does the GP know what to refer me too if they haven't seen me face to face? It is six painful months and I still haven't seen anyone and it could be at least another three months!

Mine has been throughout, I find it ridiculous some still aren't, it's outrageous.

Mine are seeing people. I prefer phone appointments but am going in soon for blood test results for potential Rheumatoid Arthritis and want to be referred to Rheumatology whatever the blood results so decided to see him in person so he can see my lumpy hands and photos of joint swelling.

Andyoldlabourer so sorry you are in pain. Your GP is correct In referring you to a Rheumatologist as it’s them who deal with this sort of thing . At this point though it sounds like you need some help in pain management- can you ring GP for advice ?

My GP seems to be doing mainly on the day telephone appointments, so you have to phone or go online at 8am or 2pm to get an appointment. Throughout the pandemic I have been quite unwell and have probably had a telephone appointment around every 3 weeks!!!

I have seen my GP face to face a few times since March 2020. The last time was in July 2021. Sometimes during the call she says to me that she need to examine me so then she makes a new appointment for me to go to the surgery and it is always the same day.

@andyoldlabour ask your GP for more help with pain medication and if they can’t then ask for a referral to a pain management clinic. I hope you see the Rheumatologist very soon though.

TwooThirty

Thanks, I didn't want to hijack your thread. I don't really want to take anymore medication, because I took three weeks worth back in June and that was enough. I am trying to get out for regular walks.