Telephone appointment

[LaurieRose]

Hi guys

I have a question

Just had a call from hepatology receptionist who has booked my annual review for Thursday

But it’s over the phone, my question is what’s this likely to entail. As I usually have a fibroscan and a blood test, but these won’t be done.

[AyrshireK]

All they are going to be able to do is ask you how you are doing? Tell them all your current symptoms and ask any questions you want to ask - you want to find out when they plan to organize you some bloods and your scan if you usually have one.

[LaurieRose in reply to AyrshireK]

Yes that sounds right. Thanks 😊

[Frananncru]

Hi , I have had 6 monthly telephone check up with my consultant 4 times during lockdown .Each was followed by routine bloods and Ultra sound scan.A letter arrived quickly often the results were back advising me of the findings of the tests and any changes to the check up regimen .The letter ends bu inviting me to contact the consultants secretary if I have any questions or concerns and a further phone contact appointment will be made.

I’m very happy with this process ,it works for me as my condition is currently stable and should remain so if I stick to the lifestyle changes I have been advised to make.

I’m sure this will be the “new “way of managing busy review clinics , avoiding lengthy travel/ stress of parking at hospital for 5-6 minutes of hopefully a consultants time .

I totally understand that some patients are more complex than me and need more of the consultants time, but after COVID I see this change in routine follow up becoming the norm .

Stay well

[LaurieRose in reply to Frananncru]

Yes anything that can be done to save time it's good. As it happens art my telephone appointment she is sending a referral to gp and to weight loss reveal at hospital. Also booking 2nd I for fibro scan and said go to go for blood test and to discuss other issues which may bee related. So it was a useful appointment.Sounds like you're well monitored xx

[Frananncru in reply to LaurieRose]

Yes I think my consultant has my needs well balanced . I’m very happy knowing if I was to begin to feel unwell or my symptoms change I can contact via his secretary.Good luck x

[gillrich]

Phone her back and ask about bloods your gp can do then

[Readlots]

I agree with Gillrich, I get my bloods done about a week before my clinic appointments so I can discuss them during the phone call but after works for Frananncru, so go with what works for you. I prefer hanging round at home v parking and waiting rooms 😊

[LaurieRose in reply to Readlots]

Good for you, I tend to just go with what I'm told but sometimes have to call up to remind.