I agree about the blood test being far too simplistic - both in the range they offer and the interpretation. Personally I don't go to the GP looking for a diagnosis as such, but I end up feeling that's what they think I want - "an answer" when really I want to know what to do about things and feel well again, this could be more diagnostic tests to rule things out or perhaps advice for self help and an invitation to return and keep the dialogue going. Not much to ask?
Honorsmum - your misdiagnosis is not good to hear about, I recognise that sometimes it takes time to fathom out what is going on, but this is where I think the patient ends up having to push when it should be the other way around. Anxiety is bound to rise in those situations>
I think they worry about being sued - red flag symptoms always get referrals - also probably have a budget for blood tests.
I had quite a farscal situation a couple of years ago - a cervical polyp was seen on a smear test. I was reluctant to have it removed at the time and asked if it was safe to leave it. Yes says one doctor, most women don't even know they are there. I returned almost a year later to ask for an examination to see if it had resolved and it hadn't and was told I would be immediately referred for a gynae opinion. I referenced previous advice and doctor said the guidelines had changed and all polyps should be looked at and removed, that only a teeny percentage were cancerous and that really she felt this was a case of overtreating but cervical polyps were now red flag situations. A case of 'trends' and 'fashions' in medicine - perhaps we will see adrenal stress tests hit the headlines in the NHS in a few years time - along with a brand new initiative for well woman clinics