Choosing your GP: Things to consider
This is a collaborative post
You need to feel comfortable with your GP to receive the best care possible. It can be difficult to disclose personal information, medical concerns and your body to a stranger. You can change your GP if you don’t feel a connection with your current doctor. You can change your GP for any reason – from their personality to the location of their office.
However, please note that GPs are no longer restricted to catchment areas, so you may be able to stay with your current GP if you move. You will need to discuss this further with your practice to see if they are happy to treat you from afar. Just bear in mind that it might not be practical to stay with your current GP if you need in-person appointments.
So, why do people change their GP?
Medical Negligence
The NHS treats millions of patients every year, and a very small percent experience medical negligence. Medical negligence refers to substandard care provided by a health care professional. It can cause your current condition to worsen, or you may suffer from another injury altogether. For example, you would experience medical negligence if your GP provided the wrong prescription for your medication. A patient is likely to look for another GP in this case. If you have experienced medical negligence, you can seek support to file a claim.
Bad Relationship With Their Doctor
It’s normal for two people to clash and not get along. It’s a part of human nature. However, your GP is a professional, and they should have an appropriate bedside manner with all patients.
If you don’t feel a positive connection with your GP, you can ask for another doctor. You need to feel comfortable talking with your GP, especially when it comes to private matters. You must be open and honest with your doctor so they can help.
When choosing a different doctor, there are a few things you should consider.
Good Accessibility
Your practice should be easy to get to. When you are ill and tired, you need a short journey to your GP’s office – not an hour’s drive. Try to make your healthcare convenient and practical for you. You may find they use the services of a virtual medical receptionist which makes their appointments much more accessible.
Reputation
Always check out the reputation of the practice online and look at a few patient reviews. There will undoubtedly be a few negative comments, but try not to get too bogged down by those. Think about how the receptionist has communicated with you and whether the service has been easy to access. Did they make you feel welcome and at ease? If it was a stressful experience trying to get an appointment, maybe look elsewhere. You can look further into patient experience using this source.
Opening Hours
Make sure the opening hours of the practice are flexible for your work and family life. It needs to open early and close late so you can make your appointments.
Take responsibility for your healthcare and choose the right GP for you.
Read more posts in the Fitness & Health Category