Went to GP this week because I was sure I had a chest infection, which I did. Got antibiotics and feeling much better. Have been at surgery for 12 years. Don’t go that often, but have had 3 kids (and was under them for all pregnancies) and have always really rated surgery and no issues.
New GP, I go in and mention symptoms (including history of mild asthma/prone to chest infections after heavy colds) and first question was “are you under a lot more stress than usual”. I said no more than usual, but I do work in a stressful profession (mentioned job)”. After this response it was like the GP completely changed, asking me all about my job, saying how it must be so difficult to get time off for appointments. Had an examination and she diagnosed me and prescribed antibiotics.
They had to go out to ask the receptionist about how to do something with the prescription and I looked at computer screen. On the right hand side were 2 sections, one with “Significant past medical conditions” and “Other Medical Conditions”.
I have had 2 episodes in my life of anxiety and depression (1 of each), where I need medication and CBT - both successfully. One was after a traumatic incident the other after a serious medical condition and a period in ICU.
My significant past medical conditions included 4 mentions of anxiety and 3 of depression. I reckon there were 10-12 entries. There was mention of 1 pregnancy (but not the other 2). Mention of the serious medical condition I suffered in the past, but no mention of a couple of other conditions/operations which I would mention if someone asked about medical history.
I presume it’s some algorithm picks out significant medical conditions. Is that right? Is there a reason it would focus on anxiety/depression rather than other conditions? How much do GPs refer to these?
As I say I’ve never had a problem with my GP, I didn’t have one with the GP i saw althoug slightly concerned that if I hadn’t been in the profession I am I was I going to be told my breathlessness was “stress”.