GP ignores Private Endo's letters/blood test results etc.

[HKAnne]

Good morning all,

I just wanted to ask your advice. I attended my GP surgery, at their request, this morning for "Annual blood testing" (Thyroid, B12, Vitamin D). I was surprised to be told that despite having had four blood tests (through my Private Endocrinologist via Medichecks) during the past 12 months, none of the private tests had been recorded. So basically, the letters from my Endocrinologist with the blood test results and other information are scanned onto the system but nobody reads the content. I mentioned that my Levo dose had been reduced to 75mg per day quite some time ago but the practice are still prescribing 175mg per day.

I was also told that my Vit D prescriptions would probably be stopped as I am surely within range now. I explained that I will always have to take Vit D tablets, (I take 2000iu per day, I'm currently mid range at 104nmo/L (75-150) ) if I stop taking them, my levels will drop to below range again. I was told "buy your own, you don't need a prescription, the NHS are making cut backs".

So, I just wanted to ask, is the GP surgery duty bound to record my Endocrinologists suggestions?

Thanks for your help.

[MaisieGray]

If the letters have been scanned to your records, then they have been recorded in effect. However an NHS GP is not obligated to act on recommendations from a private Dr, and if it was the private Endo that reduced your Levo dose, that is likely why your surgery is still issuing prescriptions at the dose decided upon by them. Regarding Vit D prescribing, the NHS generally prescribes only to bring a low or deficient level above 50 nmol/L - see here for CKS/NICE guidance cks.nice.org.uk/vitamin-d-d...

[HKAnne]

Thanks MaisieGray. My GP did increase my Vit. D late last year, as per the Endocrinologist's instructions but I had to telephone her and ask her to look at the letter and she did change the levothyroxine dose (once) after receiving the Endo's first letter, but again I had to ask her to refer to the letter.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

My GP accepts my private blood test results and doesn't bother with NHS testing.

Clearly pointless only testing TSH if on Liothyronine. Almost inevitably TSH will be suppressed on any dose of T3

[HKAnne in reply to SlowDragon]

Thanks Slowdragon. I am glad your GP accepts private blood tests. If I have any issues with new results, I will write to GP suggesting same.

Thanks again.

[Angel_of_the_North]

They don't have to take any notice of non-NHS endos. I wouldn't have mentioned the levo reduction, just stockpiled for a rainy day. You can refuse blood tests.

[HKAnne]

Thanks Angel_of_the_North. I have been stockpiling the Levo but because the shelf life dates were so short, it was pointless/wasteful to continue. I was told by my surgery (in writing) I could not request further prescriptions until I had my blood tests.