GP rant

[purple vonny]

I need my medical form signed by a GP to start the IDC.

I phone the GP.

"you can't have an appointment until Friday"

"I'm away friday, I just need a signature on my self-certifying medical form"

"Ok well bring it in"

I trundle round to the GP, medical form in my mit, explanatory note to GP "just tick the box and sign please, I am fit and healthy"

Woman on reception says that it will take up to 3 weeks.

"but, I'm going back to Mallorca on Monday" I say pleadingly.

Well, I'll see what I can do. And by the way, there will be a charge of £23.50 for that"

I look astonished. I close my mouth and put my jaw back in place.... "erm, £23.50 for ticking a box and writing a signature?"

"Yes, don't have a go at me, we are VAT registered now you know" (cue face like bulldog chewing wasp)

Oh, OK then, bye.


Buggeration. What's health care coming to?

[ScubaSue]

Vonny

You need a Doctor that also dives - very useful when it comes to things like this

[JasonP]

Mine charged me 10 quid for a photocopy of the letter from the decompression chamber on my file that said it was a false alarm. The doctor didn't have to do anything. And they've now changed their phone number to 0844 so I get charged from my mobile.

Jason

[frosty the snowman]

Mine never charges me but I reckon it's 'cos she fancies me.

[Fiona]

Originally Posted by purple vonny

Well, I'll see what I can do. And by the way, there will be a charge of £23.50 for that"

I would think most GPs will charge, there is a list of charges on the wall at mine.

Originally Posted by purple vonny

I trundle round to the GP, medical form in my mit, explanatory note to GP "just tick the box and sign please, I am fit and healthy"

How does the Dr know that, surely he shouldn't "just" sign something.

[mala]

Originally Posted by frosty the snowman

Mine never charges me but I reckon it's 'cos she fancies me.

mine don't charge me.
do you reckon its cos he fancies me.


got me h.s.e. on thurs tho.
£90.00.

[purple vonny]

Originally Posted by Fiona

I

How does the Dr know that, surely he shouldn't "just" sign something.

That's what I said but Mrs Wasp Chewer, the receptionist, told me to bring it in for the doc to sign. The rest of it is a list of "no no no no no no" answers that I fill out myself.

The doc's bit simply says "do you know of any reason this person is not fit to dive" or whatever.

My diving doc friend is off in the Scillies unfortunately.

[Janos]

Change doctors.

The UK has a huge culture of not changing doctors. In other countries (where you generally pay) if someone is dissatisfied they tend to go to the doctor round the corner.

Janos

[CotoChris]

To use the local swimming pool ones needs a doctor certificate stating you are fit to swim! My doctor went beserk when I asked for one, he said it was just stupid beaurocracy preventing most people in using the pool.

PV. You probaly could have got your health certificate from the local health center in Mallorca. I was impressed by some of the local health centers in Spain. Last time I had to use one I had to pay €1.50 but as it was sunday the doctor waved the fee as he couldn't be bothered to open the cash box!

Here I play around with the doctors. For equivalernt NHS I use the local health center for uses such as vaccinations (updated my tetanus yesterday). When feeling unwell I go to the 24hr health center some 12miles away during soap opera hours (21h00-22h30). It's empty and quick but have to pay €2.00. Otherwise my main doctor I go private and pay €12.50. It's all a big game, you just have to know how to play!

[purple vonny]

Originally Posted by CotoChris

To use the local swimming pool ones needs a doctor certificate stating you are fit to swim! My doctor went beserk when I asked for one, he said it was just stupid beaurocracy preventing most people in using the pool.

PV. You probaly could have got your health certificate from the local health center in Mallorca. I was impressed by some of the local health centers in Spain. Last time I had to use one I had to pay €1.50 but as it was sunday the doctor waved the fee as he couldn't be bothered to open the cash box!

Here I play around with the doctors. For equivalernt NHS I use the local health center for uses such as vaccinations (updated my tetanus yesterday). When feeling unwell I go to the 24hr health center some 12miles away during soap opera hours (21h00-22h30). It's empty and quick but have to pay €2.00. Otherwise my main doctor I go private and pay €12.50. It's all a big game, you just have to know how to play!

I think if I get any grief, I will go to one in Mallorca next week. The health care there is great. Recently experienced casualty (to remove embedded fish hook), 5 minute wait, no charge, didn't even have my E111 and they said, "it's OK, bring it tomorrow". The lingo barrier is still a bit of a problem though.