How to ask the GP for a referral letter

[FoggyThinker]

I've been given details of an endo who may be able to help me, he's NHS linked but I would see him privately (at least initially). However he requires a GP's referral letter. Any advice on how to ask my NHS GP for this as I've never had an NHS acknowledgement of my Hashi's (my TSH has never been anywhere near "high enough" so I had to go to a private GP for initial diagnosis and am now effectively self-treating via a pharmacy; my symptoms are way better on Thyroid treatment but I can't seem to resolve all). I'm assured it's possible, just don't want to get into a wrangle about it if there's a better way to ask up front if you see what I mean.

Sorry, 2nd post from me today but they are quite different topics so it seemed easier this way - sorry to be so demanding! Sending good wishes to everyone and thanks for reading

[GlowCoach Administrator]

I would hope that your GP would prefer that your care is overseen by an Endo.

Does your GP know you are now being treated for hypo?

You could do an econsult or just ask the receptionist what is best to do.

[FoggyThinker in reply to GlowCoach]

No, I've not discussed it as yet, although the pharmacy asks for GP details so maybe they send them something? My plan was to wait until I'd got to a stable point and then tell them, as at that point I'd want it on my records, but I didn't want to give room for debate before that happened. I didn't have a great time with them before getting the private diagnosis and haven't needed to see them since

[Forestgarden]

I would be upfront about all you have been doing and why you want to be referred. You could even ask for a copy of the referral letter for yourself? Don't know if that is possible. What has the GP got to lose? The GP will probably be glad you'll be under someone elses care as far as your thyroid anyway, less responsibility for them. And going for an nhs linked endo is a good idea, they can't complain about that.

[Forestgarden]

Just to add, I was recently asked to reduce my levo due to low tsh (usual story). Nurse phoned me, I explained I was seeing private endo, taking some lio, and what my plan (agreed with private endo) was. The nurse then ASKED ME if I wanted her to make any changes to my levo prescription or just to leave it as it is for the time being as I obviously had things under control. I was flabbergasted! In all my years of thyroid issues this was a first. Naturally I asked her not to make any changes. So you see, obviously very happy my care was no longer their responsibility!

[HealthStarDust in reply to Forestgarden]

That’s because since Covid more patients are engaging with private services than ever before. So, GPs are getting used to it too. Some slower than others.

[FoggyThinker in reply to HealthStarDust]

I think it's the way our "illustrious" leaders would like things to go and I hate to be part of that trend

[Forestgarden in reply to FoggyThinker]

But what choice do we have if we want a reasonable quality of life?

[HealthStarDust in reply to Forestgarden]

Indeed.

[FoggyThinker in reply to Forestgarden]

Exactly, sometimes it's just needs must even if we don't like it! Also, thanks so much for the advice on the letter, that's really helpful I'm probably over-thinking it but that's how you get isn't it?! And I'm really glad that it sounds like you're getting somewhere or at least have a team of people you can work with. That's a heartening story and hope is a wonderful thing

[HealthStarDust in reply to FoggyThinker]

Same. But, not seeking an alternative route when one can is not the best move either. Not that I advocate it should be like this. Quite frankly, I want a tax refund.

[Bertwills]

It may not be relevant but I recently found that you can self refer ie book an appointment without a GP’s letter to consultants around the country at hospitals (over 50) run by Circle Health. I pay for myself & have seen two different consultants.

I’ve had a few organisational hiccups but their website is ok to use. You can search by location or specialism. I think it’s the way it should be. NHS shouldn’t be involved if the patient doesn’t want them to be. Be aware that one consultant sent letters to my GP without asking me, if you don’t want them to tell them asap.

[FoggyThinker in reply to Bertwills]

Thank you it's handy to know and I will check if that applies, although it is a specific endo I'd like to see - I might be lucky!