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[Tabbycat]

Have any of you ever had a private health check/screen? If so, was it worth it?

I've got so many odd symptoms at the moment and I'm fed up of trying to cram everything into a 10-minute GP appointment - also fed up of my GP talking more than listening, and telling me it's just my age. She may be right but surely tremors, shaking and muscle tension so bad I can't sit still or work properly aren't normal!

I'd like a proper consultation where someone will listen, and also a proper health screen so that at least my mind will be put at ease.

[Millykin]

Tabbycat I was thinking that the other day, I feel if you go to GP and try to explain things they can talk over you, trying to get you out. Maybe if they offered longer appointments for some people who have a lot to get through then we wouldn't be up at them as much! X

[CLKD]

You should NOT have to see a GP privately.  You could have a chat with the receptionist in your Surgery, explain that you need more time and ask for a double or end of day appt. ………. it works for me!  If not I ask for a house call 

I don't think that GPs are always aware of how receptionists tend to block the appt. system! You could also ask for a phone call ……… but that means staying indoors all day.

If you want a Consultation with a Specialist you could ask what one would do that the GP can't, that might focus the GPs mind a bit!

[Tabbycat]

I know I don't HAVE to see a GP privately CLKD, I just want to! I'd like to have a full health screen and I know I can't have this on the NHS so I'm willing to pay for it. I'd also like to talk to someone who's not more stressed/tired/harassed than I am!

At the moment I have to wait ages just for an appointment - six weeks for an evening appointment!

[robotwars]

HI Tabbycat, I know exactly how you feel , we to have a 6 week wait to see a doctor and then they don't seem to listen to what you say and don't seem to have time for you!!

[honorsmum]

6 week wait is just appalling!
In an ideal world, no one would need to go private for anything - school, doctors etc.
I know there are some very good doctors out there, but I suspect they are a minority, and actually I've twice now experienced health professionals who have actually been hounded out of their jobs because they actually give their patients the time they need, not just the standard ten minutes.
At the end of the day, certainly where health is concerned, I guess we all do what's needed to make sure we get the care we need - and if that means paying, so be it.

[Tabbycat]

Okay, thanks all... back to my original question: has anyone had a private health check and was it worth it?

[lancashirelass]

Yes i have had a few.  The first i jsd been back.and forwards to.gp with bad pain and.bleeding and the doc i saw immediately thought i had endometriosis which i did.  The second i had a mammogram which the nhs would not.let.me.have. 

[honeybun]

Have you thought of taking out medical insurance. If you have no big pre existing conditions then it should not cost that much overall.

I must have a good GP practise. I can always get an on the day appointment and if I want a specific doctor than it's a week at the most.


Honeyb
X

[CLKD]

I have a good Practice too.  But I would not be paying for something I am entitled too, unless I had recently arrived in the UK.  Is your GP aware that you are unable to get an appt., have you written to your MP about having to wait more than 3 weeks …….. also the Minister of Health, they might listen as it's an Election Year 

When the receptionists get a bit stuffy about giving me an appt. I sit in the waiting room …….. 

[honeybun]

Our receptionists are just that. They are not there to dissuade anyone from seeing a doctor.

I know most of them any way 


Honeyb
X

[rosebud57]

I have had private tests and consultant appointments which were well worth it, just for peace of mind.  However, if the gp you go is that difficult to see I would consider changing surgeries.

[CLKD]

Go to the GP and explain your idea of a private GP? so that the GP is aware of any problems because sometimes they don't know!  I wouldn't know where to begin looking for a private GP  ………

Let us know how you get on!

[Hurdity]

.  But I would not be paying for something I am entitled too, unless I had recently arrived in the UK.

I quite agree CLKD but Tabbycat isn't talking about that though - at least not how I interpret it.

I think she's asking about health screening to put your mind at rest over what may be trivial worries but part of health anxiety. I know I have some of these worries but don't go to the doc about them but if you were thinking "Oh dear have I got bowel cancer, or stomach cancer" or "Is there something wrong with my heart" and the doc doesn't think there is anything to refer on about, then some people might want to actually pay for a health check.

I agree we should all have regular health checks and screening free on NHS and absolutely should not have to wait 6 weeks for an appointment (you can always get them on the day) but only certain conditions are covered under the NHS and at certain ages.

And to answer your question Tabbycat - I haven't (but in my head I have!).

Hurdity x

[CLKD]

At age 60 we get a lot of tests free.  I had cover when DH was in work but that stopped when he retired.