Trying to find a good doctor after mines retired
Posted by: 3lions
16th Jul 2018 10:11pm
Hi,
Just wondering if anyone has had the same experience of trying to find a good doctor?
My doctor has retired after seeing him for 25 years, I'm struggling to find anyone who is, well a good doctor. Seems to me that they don't have time to listen to what you're telling them, they are on their feet, when I'm still sitting down. The personal service that I've had for 25 years just doesn't exist with the doctors I've been too. They won't do blood tests like my other doctor did every 3 months, if you're going back to see them in a week they don't know why you're there. Just want to give you a script and leave?
Then you have to go back because they've not investigated your symptoms proberly. I mean what sort of doctor if you're there with a cold does not look in your ears or down your throat?
It's going to be a nitemare which I've already discovered, curious if anyone else has the same problem.
Thanks for reading :)
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Comments 10
yram
If you download the app HotDoc
You can search for Dr practises near you each surgery with have photos of their Drs and a small description of their specialities you can also book an appointment using the app
Hope this helps
super88
Yeh, I went to my old GP for years. He must have been a surgeon in a former life 'cos if he couldn't stitch it up or cut it out it was always "Take this..... You'll be right or call me in a week or so."
We got along well and I trusted his judgement.
My new bloke has a different approach, "i think you better see a specialist for this that or the other test"
Maybe things in the medical profession have changed, or maybe I'm just getting old and wearing out.
Either way, I prefer my old doctor .
3lions
Thanks for your reply and advice. I'm really pleased to read you have found a good doctor, treasure him/her as they are very very hard to find.
Wishing you good health.
Take care :)
frilly
I have a good GP . We were lucky found him just starting as a GP. I have multiple illnesses, he does ask we are we up to, I don’t mind hat as my body decides to up the problems at times, He did ask my husband once if I was happy with him as he cannot offer me anything definite. My husband told me he had reassured him.He told the GP that if I was not happy I either would not be there ir I would have told him. He helps me cope with my problems which at times get me very low.. I have notice that all the doctors in the practice I belong to are all Drs who are recognised as educated to treat elderly patients . All seem to be the registered doctor at all the various Retirement homes & villages.That is written in the information given you to read. Actually names the ones they visit.
Talk to people you know, you meet at the library or activities you are involved in.
3lions
Thanks for your reply super88.
I'm at my wit's end at moment. Totally understand what your saying. I have been a guinea pig for this clown I've been seeing. I've been asking/wanting a referral since May! Bah... Try this, then try this... To the point where I've tried 7 different medications.. never mind the money... Anyway Friday I Finally got the referral & omg how embarrassing... The way he has written it, the spelling errors, the lack of details not even my name or age on the letter. What a backyarder, so I'm have to wait until end November to get into see the specialist, & I'm also having problems regarding the last lot of medication he put me on, as it's unavailable anywhere so having just stop it is not advisable, but he don't give a toss. Like another reply mentioned, the practice does bulk bill & all the do is write scripts, no care no nothing. I'm so upset at the moment & a little concerned, I really don't know what to do. Thanks again for your reply, it's disappointing that this seems to be a common problem. I don't think it's a age thing, I'm 53 & having a good doctor who cared, it's just the sign of the times unfortunately.
Kind regards
AnxiousOne
I wonder if the surgery you go to bulk bills all patients. That may (or may not) explain some of the rush to get through the patient list as quickly as possible.
However, I live in a small town in NSW (population is around 4000); there are 6 GPs in town, I think, and no one that I know complains of being pushed out of the door. And everyone is bulk billed. And most people are seen on time, or within 15 minutes of their appointment time.
If I were you, I would be making sure that I was being as calm and relaxed and whatever else you can think of, and approach the reception desk staff and have a chat. Yes, I know that the reception staff can be where the problems in a medical practice begin!
At one practice I used to attend before I moved, if the doctor was running late, the reception staff would ring me and tell me to come in xx minutes late. That was so helpful!
3lions
Hi AnxiousOne, apologies for the late reply, I've been really poorly. Which means more trips to the useless doctor. I had a really bad virus & I have a compramised autoimmune problem,as a result of medication I take. Two trips & 6 weeks later, I was finally given some strong antibiotics which is what I needed to help me get rid of it.
You are correct, the surgery does bulk bill & after reading your reply, the penny dropped. As that's the problem, scripts, scripts & more scripts and go away. The doctor knows I have the autoimmune problem, he never even listen to my chest, which was rattling... Anyway the reception staff and not as lovely as the ladies that ring you, to let you know the doctor is running late, that's so sweet.
The reception staff struggle to fax referrals, ring you back with blood test results you need to know so you can take your right medication. They say.. oh I'll ring you back, they never do & they close up and go home! They are unbelievable....
Enough of me ranting, I found another surgery, it has a lady, so that's my next choice. I'll let you know. Thanks again for your reply & apologies for the essay :)
poppie
hi where do you live if you live in sydney then i might be able to help you if you live near narrellan or cambelltown 2567 i have a great doctor he is so down to earth and he does do blood test and any other test if he feels if it will help you he is at mount annan medical center so if you live around here then you can see a great doctor
3lions
Hi Poppies,
Thank you so much, that's really kind of you & I certainly would take you up, unfortunately for me, I'm in Adelaide. It's just so difficult, it's all about in & out. Last Friday, can you believe my appointment was for 12.40pm, I sat there I was almost going to leave, as it was 1.55pm, stupidly I sat there for so long, anyway he calls me in at 1.59pm, I was so pissed off, I said as I passed him "oh I thought you'd gone home" not even a sorry it reply & I was out of there by 2.07pm. I was fuming. Plus I'm not all that happy with how he's treating me, I've seen other doctors there & it seems he the best of a bad lot, if you can believe that.
I really appreciate your reply and offer. Kind regards :)
ann352
Yep, I've seen my gp for 35 years he's now 74 and still practising but I assume he will retire shortly.
He used to have his own private practice and used to do home visits. He's delivered all my kids but currently works in a medical centre amongst other doctors none of whom I feel comfortable with.
I've been testing the waters for the last 12 months or so seeing different doctors but haven't been satisfied with any so far.
It's really hard and I understand your frustrations.