Using a different GP

Other conditions
1

Hi,

I wanted to go to a different GP practice from the one I'm currently assigned to, would this be possible? Or would I have to speak to my practice first and ask them to transfer me to another practice.

Second question if I want to speak to a specialist i.e. ENT can only the GP put forward my request?

2

You need to go to the practice that you want to change to and If they are taking on anymore patients they should accept you, thou this will depend on how far you live from the practice.

If you want a referal to a specialiston the NHS the GP can refer you, you cannot refer yourself. I am not sure If you want to see a specialist privetely how that works. Someone else may know the answer to that question.

3

Spelling error Specialist 

 

4

Thank you for your response, so from what I gather I can't just ring another GP up and ask for them to see me I'm guessing? 

When you talk about a specialist and you mention the NHS, would that mean the hospital can potentially refer me to a specialist?

 

5

You have to be registered to the new GP first before you can have an appointment. If they accept you then they will do the paperwork ie collect your notes from the current GP. Once accepted you can then make an appointment to see the GP. You will need to be refered by your GP to see a specialist, If you are refered you see the specialist at the hospital. 

6

Okay that makes a lot of sense, thank you Elizabeth.

Can the GP reject my request for a specialist and if they do can I appeal?

7

Your GP can refuse a request If they don't think It's urgent or neccessary. I recently needed a referal and I had to answer 20 questions and depending on the answers as to weather I could see a specialist. I was refered thou I also had a physiotherapist's letter. If It's for cosmetic reasons you may have to go private. If you are refused you can ask another GP in the practice for a referal, they may agree with

first GP or refer you. It maybe different for physical or mental health. I don't want to pry as to your problem but If you wanted to tell me you could message me privetely. I may have a better idea about why you want a referal. I could answer privetely. 

Hope this answers your questions.

Elizabeth.

8

I have sent you an inbox, Thanks.

9

I don't know about UK, but in AU you can change GP anytime

Here you need a referral from GP to be able claim part of it on medicare. 

10

Sorry for delay, I have messaged you back.

11

Hi incursio

If you live in the UK, only a GP can forward your request to any specialist, unless you want to go down the private route and pay for it.

You should be able to sign up to any practice providing they are taking in more patients. Some doctors practices only take specific post codes whilst others will take anyone in their catchment area.

Hope this helps

Kev

12

Usually when accepted by a new surgery the initial appointment is with the practice nurse who will do some basic checks and go through your medical history.

13

This site used to have a spell checker but they did away with in the last system update as so many medical words and drugs would always be thrown up.

14

I know a friend who cannot now smell at all. His GP tells him to take statins for it, which he is reluctant to do because of side effect of statins, but he is now afraid to ask his GP for a referral to a specialist for this, which I think he needs. What would anyone suggest in these circumstances?

15

What do statins do for sense of smell?