Yearly thyroid blood test .

[Julesd]

Hi , I havent posted for a while but still gather information from here to keep my health optimised .I had to request my yearly blood test because it was 2 months overdue and I hadnt been contacted . My Gp's response was , ' We dont do them any more because we dont get paid now '. He said I am happy to do it if you want one . I do pay for my own inbetween but was quite taken aback to hear this , has anyone else had the same problem .

[tattybogle]

it's true they no longer get paid an 'extra' incentive to do annual thyroid monitoring tests for patients on levo , but that doesn't mean they can just stop doing them .....

it's their job..... (which they do get paid for !)

Current NHS Guidelines for GP's prescribing levo advise them to do annual blood tests for their hypo patients (so they can see if the prescription needs adjusting).

nice.org.uk/guidance/ng145/...

"Tests for follow-up and monitoring of primary hypothyroidism

1.4.1Aim to maintain TSH levels within the reference range when treating primary hypothyroidism with levothyroxine. If symptoms persist, consider adjusting the dose of levothyroxine further to achieve optimal wellbeing, but avoid using doses that cause TSH suppression or thyrotoxicosis.

1.4.2Be aware that the TSH level can take up to 6 months to return to the reference range for people who had a very high TSH level before starting treatment with levothyroxine or a prolonged period of untreated hypothyroidism. Take this into account when adjusting the dose of levothyroxine.

Adults

1.4.3For adults who are taking levothyroxine for primary hypothyroidism, consider measuring TSH every 3 months until the level has stabilised (2 similar measurements within the reference range 3 months apart), and then once a year.

1.4.4Consider measuring FT4 as well as TSH for adults who continue to have symptoms of hypothyroidism after starting levothyroxine."

[Julesd in reply to tattybogle]

Thankyou, looks like I'll have to request it each year from now on .