Re: visits to Doctor

I also have to say, Julie, that your GP surgery hours do seem rather shorter than most! I think you may be unlucky there, as it seems more standard to have appointments for three or three and a half hour blocks rather than two hours. But I'm probably pretty out of touch with the NHS these days. And very glad not to be a part of it! Or to be relying on it!

Re: visits to Doctor

You can see any GP privately - they are sub-contracted by the government, they are not employees of the government. This might explain it in case I'm making a pig's ear of it!

http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/20...09/nhs.health1

http://www.nao.org.uk/report/nhs-pay...es-in-england/

Re: visits to Doctor

Yes, you CAN see any GP privately, but most people in the UK don't want to pay for something that they can get for free, so they don't! Whereas they are more likely to pay privately to see a consultant surgeon, for instance, as they will get faster treatment. Ok, in some wealthy areas I guess there is more private GP work, but I really didn't have the impression that there was much. Maybe I'm wrong.

The first article seems to be close to what I thought, but I note it is 5 years old. Of interest may be that there have been year on year pay cuts since then. But I'm not saying that they aren't well paid, as they still are. Also I confess I did not take into account the PMS practices, who are a bit of a different ball game, and I think are able to negotiate more. What I have said to date applies to GMS (General Medical Services) contracts.
Does that make sense or am I spouting rubbish?

Re: visits to Doctor

NHS patients do pay for private work, like £10 for a doctors note.
But did you know they pay for blood tests? I believe that will soon be transferred to us.
Our practice is a teaching practice as well, so I believe they will get paid extra for that.
They also do minor surgery, like the removing of moles etc.

Re: visits to Doctor

Being in far-off Australia - I guess I'm an outsider looking in.
Seems to me that NO public health system on the planet is going to please all people all the time.
However it is organized, the costs either to the individual or to the public purse are enormous.

Here, I can trot along to my local GP (usually on the day) for free for run of the mill stuff. The hospital Emergency Dept is there (free) if needed - although triage might mean that one waits a few hours.
But, I have private health cover as well -fairly expensive - so that if/when anything serious pops up - or I don't want to wait in a queue - I can have the specialist and private hospital of my choice for very little outlay.

Also, 90% of prescriptions are capped at under $6 with the balance heavily subsidised.

People complain - but not too bad.

Re: visits to Doctor

I don't think you are wrong - just maybe didn't take into account that 'busy' people who can afford it will take the private option as they can be seen at a time to suit themselves and given time to explain a problem fully (I have booked several appointments like this for one man I worked for many years ago).

For me, it wasn't seeing a private consultant to get a quicker appointment, it was his skill level I paid for which, imo, is sadly lacking on the Island and as consultants tend to visit the Island fortnightly to carry out procedures, this can lead to lengthy waits.

I linked that particular article as it dealt with explaining why the changes were made to the existing arrangement but it also gave some background on GPs working within the NHS system - they were paid a retainer as opposed to a salary (as such, if that makes sense!).


no, you're not spouting rubbish at all - you are putting things across from your point of view which is what discussing things is all about; I would like my faith renewed in GPs but sadly, as yet, nothing has emerged to make me feel that way (not blaming you, I was just hoping it wasn't as cynical as I see it).

Re: visits to Doctor

[QUOTE=Pumicestone;285521]

Although there isn't a problem on the Isle of Man with mixing NHS and private treatment, from what I've read, it is bitterly opposed in the UK with some doctors refusing to treat people who have had private procedures.

I'm not sure what the charges are for prescription in the UK, over £7 per item I believe which leaves those less well off choosing to go without. The BMA advised the Government to "abolish prescription charges in England altogether." I doubt they will though.

Re: visits to Doctor

What happens if you go over your amount of visits ..

Re: visits to Doctor

As far as I'm aware there are no capped amount of visits to a doctor in my area. I haven't seen mine for a couple of years but, when I needed to see him, I got an appointment within days of phoning - not weeks or months.

It really does depend on your area here in the UK, but prescriptions are free once you turn 60. I think they're around £7+ (over $14 here each time).

I know it's different in the USA where you have to have insurance to pay for medical, but here a doctor can not refuse to see you at the earliest possible time if you deem yourself to be at risk. I'm in North West England, but I believe people in the South of England have a harder time, but I may be wrong and will be happy to stand corrected if I am.