How would you describe your relationship with y... - Thyroid UK

Thyroid UK

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How would you describe your relationship with your doctor's receptionist?

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28 Replies
elayneg profile image
elayneg

Does anyone else have the problem that you cannot get an appointment and that you have to speak to the doctor by phone. I got diagnosed Hyperthyroid over the phone and put on medication that had me unable to get out of bed without help. When I tried to get an appointment I was told I would have to wait or speak to the doctor over the phone. How do you make correct diagnosis over the phone.

Zephyrbear profile image
Zephyrbear

I go to a relatively small country practice that only has a few receptionists, all of whom attend the desk. Sometimes they can be friendly, other times they can be cold and stand-offish. I guess it all depends on how they feel, like anyone else... They are always, however, polite and helpful.

Tango2 profile image
Tango2

I think, like all your relationships, it is about respect nurturing and the right approach to get what you want.

Dancerfromparis profile image
Dancerfromparis

I have a very good relationship with the surgery in general from the nurses up to my Dr. If I didn't I would change surgery. They are kind I never have a problem getting an appointment for bloods or to see the Dr.

sallyb profile image
sallyb

As the health surgery I attend has a number of receptionists, there is some variation in the reception one receives, but generally the relationship is good with them. However, I do try to be on my very best behaviour even though I may be feeling pretty ghastly which is why I am seeing the doctor in the first place!

valerie profile image
valerie

There are several receptionists at the surgery I attend and they are all great, if they weren't I would go elsewhere (if I could find somewhere)! Obviously a happy work environment.

katey profile image
katey

However, my relationship with the pharmacist's assistant is very strained! I think she thinks that if I popped a couple of paracetomol i'd be fine!!

Yarby profile image
Yarby

My surgery has gone automated - I book via the internet and sign in electronically once there. I also order prescriptions on internet. I don't have any contact with the receptionist!

The receptionists are fine - it's the doctors who are the problem.

wakeham profile image
wakeham

The receptionist is good but the GP's have a problem I think with Thyroid symptoms!!

Margaret profile image
Margaret

Some ok but we have this stupid thing where you can't get an appointment on the day the doctor has to ring you first to assess you and then he says wether you need to see him or not. I am also having a battle with gp to get my Armour on the nhs.

alicea profile image
alicea

Very arrogant full of their own importants . It seems to be a job requirement . Talk to each other about you as if you are'nt there. I have stood at the desk and been ignored to the point i wondered if i was invisible .Been at the same doctors for 30 years and watched new ones grow like the old ones .

dogtired profile image
dogtired

Delusions of grandeur and prone to make adverse value judgments!! Just like many authoritarian buffers. If your receptionists do not fit the above, hang on to them....they're a rare breed!

Since 20+ years I've hardly spoken to them, but recently they seem to remember me - not sure it's a good thing being a regular! Ask them for test results 'tho and they get twitchy.......

nanniejan profile image
nanniejan

They are all very helpful , never had a problem other than sometimes you have a long wait if you want to see your own GP .............

David profile image
David

When I was first diagnosed with my Thyroid problem, it was first discoverd by the nurse and not the doctor. I was put on medication that made me more ill than the thyroid its self, I had chest pains, palpatations, every muscle in my body was that weak I had to roll in and out of bed, I was anxious, had panick attacks, I couldnt go out, or deal with people, I was'nt functioning. When I did see the doctor he was totally dis interested, I ask to see a specialist, he replied "if I was to refare every body with your complaint to the specialist, They would not be able to cope" He went on to further say "I can only give you another three minutes" I walked out. and havent been back since. It was my partner and the receptionist that really helped me out, my partner just happened to say something to the receptionist, and she had the same complaint as me and had had it for over twenty years, it was her imput that got me on the right track. I cant thank her enough.

Daisy profile image
Daisy

My GP surgery is fantastic. ALL STAFF have to be kind and courteous as do the patients or expect to be sacked or struck off from the list. We have to fill in feedback forms on a regular basis about all aspects of the surgery. Sadly my Doctor is retiring and this has been a concern but hooray the replacement is of the same mind set. I happened to see him with an eye problem and during the consultation he wanted discuss my thyroid. He said TSH at 3.6 was unacceptable and he would like it to be around 1 so he took a blood test. Have not been in for the result as yet. I know we are lucky with our surgery

waveylines profile image
waveylines

Difficult to comment too much as I have only just changed practise but so far nothing has been too much trouble.....hope it continues!

Oneinthehand profile image
Oneinthehand

Couldn't ask for more helpful, supportive and understanding staff, they go out of their way to help! They make a huge difference.

Sheila2 profile image
Sheila2

They do vary but recently have been fine.

When I was first diagnosed I received an emergency call from the surgery and was told to come in straightaway and pick up some medication as my tests weren't normal and I had hypothyroidism I was in a terrible state at this point and asked for the results (which she was reluctant to give me) my TSH was 60 and T4 under 0.05.

I asked to see a doctor as I knew these reading were bad which was refused (told I would need to make a appointment) - said I wasn't leaving until I had at least had a few words with my GP which didn't go down well at all and finally did see him at the end of surgery, this was conducted in the corridor. I was made to feel as if I was making a undue fuss and just go away and take the tablets. As I was like the walking dead at this point a little kindness would have been good. I know she probably had no understanding of the results but the whole thing could have been handled better.

Lacking in humility. Pharmacists at the surgery/medical centre are something extra, the epitome of indifference. The surgery is run for the benefit of those who work there & not for the patient.

Bumley profile image
Bumley

Staff at my GP's are stand offish and only do what is necessary. When asking for my thyroid blood test last week, I was told two of them and when I asked for the one that was missing I was told you will have to ask the doctor. I told her that I was entitled to have them she called in a supervisor who reluctantly gave them.

Worse still there was a warning on the report from the lab and nobody had spoken to me and the report was two months old!

Irene profile image
Irene

Relationship is generally good. I think you'll find that most surgeries have more than one receptionist. Our surgery have 5! One is excellent other couple good and last couple barely meet the job requirements. I hit a problem when getting results as they just say they are normal and that's not what the test is about.

fennel profile image
fennel

The receptionists are very helpful, I am always given a print out of my blood tests when I ask for them, and they are very pleasant and kind to everybody.

ruby13 profile image
ruby13

They always ask me what the problem is before i see GP to discuss this with him ?

vikkihope profile image
vikkihope

My doctors will always do a blood test if I ask them to, I no in my self when I'm not well and they support me, I do believe it's the doctor, the area you live to what treatment your receive, bang out of order if this is the case and this is what i believe,

My GP's and receptionists are always so helpful. When I call them, they never say to call them back at a certain time like the ones at my old GP surgery. They have one nurse and she is always helpful and friendly.

Alison

At my doctor's there are several assistants who act as receptionists as well as taking blood and BP etc.. most of them are lovely, but there's one right old hag. She thinks she knows everything, and once told me that fT3 was nothing to do with the thyroid!