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Post by SarahHound on Jul 27, 2013 13:13:43 GMT
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Post by caz2golden on Jul 27, 2013 13:36:57 GMT
Maybe if I paid I could then insist I got the tests that I want done to monitor an issue rather than be told I have to have a stroke or heart attack before they will cos I am currently too young to monitor!! I personally think when something is preventative then the NHS should be doing those tests. I would cost the system more if I was to have one of the above!!
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Post by gladys on Jul 27, 2013 13:55:08 GMT
I don't want it to get like the USA where some can't afford treatment. My mum has a lot of problems because of one condition and if she had to start paying for test etc I'm not sure if she would still be here.
But I understand where Caz is coming from, I have a condition that means I ready should have regular scans but the doctor says I don't need them unless I start to feel pain??
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Post by judypops on Jul 27, 2013 13:59:35 GMT
Wait let me get this clear, GPs are free in the UK??! Over here unless you're on social welfare or a pensioner it's €50 a visit!
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Post by SarahHound on Jul 27, 2013 14:12:09 GMT
Wow really Judy? I didn't know that. Do you pay for prescriptions?
I am divided on this. In some ways, I think charging £25 per appointment would stop people not turning up for them, I know that's a really problem every year on the NHS and doctors. It also might discourage those people who like to go for every little ailment whether it needs treatment or not.
On the other hand, perhaps if you didn't have £25 to hand at the time you really needed a GP, it may see people going without until they can afford to pay.
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Post by judypops on Jul 27, 2013 14:18:48 GMT
Yep, prescriptions too up to the amount of €140 for us anyway, after that it's free.
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Post by SarahHound on Jul 27, 2013 14:46:02 GMT
I think in England you have to pay but in Scotland prescriptions are free too.
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Post by cazypops on Jul 27, 2013 16:33:31 GMT
This is what we paid our national insurance for. If they start charging then like someone said on the new, people will start to use A&E more and clogging up the department. It's the thin edge of the wedge if you ask me, the next thing will be privatization and compulsory medical insurance just like the US.
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Post by caz2golden on Jul 28, 2013 5:57:10 GMT
In wales prescriptions are free, last time I had a prescription it was about £7 but I think its closer to £8.
I agree Gladys, appointments should be free. Maybe charge the people who miss appointments.
However the NHS is under so much strain that getting anything out of my doctors feels like getting blood from stone!!
Separate from my above comment...
I currently suspect I have the early symptoms of something my mum and brother suffer from however to do those tests would cost a lot of money so I have not even bothered to see my doctors as I know I will get absolutely no-where with them! However one of these tests would rule the problem out completely. I am therefore already avoiding the doctors as it is a waste of my time and theirs as they wont do anything!!
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Post by migsy on Jul 28, 2013 9:00:08 GMT
The obvious answer is to fine the people missing appointments,unless of course they have a very good reason for doing so,forgetting is not an excuse. We are lucky enough to have very good doctors who do late appointments for those who are at work all day,and to fit in emergencies.Working people have already paid into the system for care,and people with chronic illnesses shouldn't have to pay either as it would cost them a fortune.Imagine paying £25 to see your doctor,then around £9 for each item on a prescription,it would be crazy.Some chemists are very good,and will tell people if an item on their prescription would be cheaper to buy over the counter,if not,ask. We have the most envied system in the world,but as always,some will always put a strain on it by abusing it.
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Post by gladys on Jul 28, 2013 17:51:10 GMT
Yeah I agree with caz2golden and migsy fine the people who miss their appointments rather than charge everyone for wanting to see their doctor.
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Post by teegiebear on Jul 28, 2013 20:23:26 GMT
I find it a total nightmare getting an appt at our drs and they do a workers surgery but its booked up so far in advance you need to book usually 3weeks ahead. The nurse is as bad. I used to be on 3/6 monthly injections which was a pain. I can totally understand the frustration of missed appointments but if I was having to pay £25 to go see a dr each time I'd struggle. I started new medication in December and had to go back monthly for 4 months then every few months after. I couldn't afford it and I know I'd put off going. What determines if you get it free. People on dla get additional money to pay for additional needs would this be to cover gp fees or would theirs be free.
It's never going to happen soon, no government would put it in place for fear of being kicked out.
I do agree if u miss appointments on a regular basis you should be contacted and then would they fine you? But what happens say if a person made and kept forgetting and it ended u they had undiagnosed dementia?
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Post by vonnie on Aug 3, 2013 0:16:29 GMT
I have beef with this. I'm happy to pay for a prescription, that's fine! But to pay for a GP is daft. Yes charge for Fail To Attends but not normal consults! In my experience (which as I am accident prone and very good at getting ill) I have found GPs to be mostly crap. They have little time to see you (at least that's the feeling you get) and you're shoved out with a rubbish 'diagnosis'. Everything is viral, even if you have a severed limb it's viral (ok, exaggeration there!!! ). Example 1). When I was young I kept having pains, really awful pains. I saw doctor after doctor. One of which even thought my internal organs were in the opposite side to normal (heart on right instead of left etc) so would mean the area of pain was appendix. It went on for ages until I saw one miserable, moody doctor who said 'it's IBS, possibly food intolerance' in a huffy, annoyed 'this should be obvious' tone. By gum though she was right, as I found I had an intolerance to bananas! Example 2. When I was 18 I was hit by a van (I should write a book on my life!). MY right knee took a lot of impact and for years caused me bother. Now and then it would collapse and back to the doctors I went. One doctor didn't even examine me, just asked how long I wanted off!!!!! WT chuff??? Isn't that her job to know??!! I was so annoyed, I wanted help and advice. I even went through an operation to find out the problem...nothing wrong at all but still had pain. One day my Dad said about the physio he was seeing and maybe I should go to her. I did and lo and behold she pinpointed the problem within the half hour. I had simply tore a tendon or ligament (can't remember which) on the inside of my knee and needed massage, acupuncture (actually worked!) and stretching exercise. Now, as long as I stretch and work the area I'm fine and haven't had an issue since. 10 years I had gone to GPs with this. If a Veterinary surgeon acted like the majority of GPs I've met there would be few animals left and VERY unhappy owners!!! A vet has to know a hell of a lot about all animals, whereas I find a GP had a general idea of just one beast...us. I have met some good GPs, but roughly 5-6 that I can think of. I would like to mention though that hospital doctors are amazing and really do know their stuff! I know GPs have to deal with a lot of rubbish, little old ladies wittering on, hypocondriacs etc but I really hate having to visit mine, they just don't seem to care at all. Oh god, and one of the receptionists is the most awful creature! Rant over! Sorry for the long winded message, but I'd love to find a doctor who cares. GRR!!! x x
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Post by tonib on Aug 3, 2013 0:50:57 GMT
By the sound of those experiences ,no wonder you're disenchanted with the GP practices. It makes me realise how good my GPs are.
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Post by migsy on Aug 3, 2013 14:50:40 GMT
vonnie,your post actually made me chuckle.Reminded me of practise years ago,with one nasty dragon receptionist,she SNAPPED AT EVERYONE!others were lovely.One day I said to person behind me(just as dr happened to walk into reception) "I wonder what charm school she went to?" she then spoke like sweetness and light,amazing change! We have a Dharzi centre (think that's how you spell it)in town,where people can go when they have an emergency or it's out of drs hours.They are large medical centres,and I think quite a few towns have them.Haven't needed to use it my self,but have heard only excellent reports about the service.Would be worth checking to see if you have one somewhere near you.One of my daughters swears by physios for strains and such,as they also give you exercise tips for strengthening the injured part of the body.
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