Why can’t I see the same GP twice?

Why can’t I see the same GP twice?

You can. But’s it hard. Why?

1. Most GP surgeries are now large with 7-8 doctors, and not all work the same patterns
2. Some may be fulltime and see patients 4 days out of 5. They do admin or teaching, for example, on the other day
3. Many are now part-time and work 2-3 days a week
4. Some are locums (temporary) so are not there in 2 weeks time etc
5. Everyone wants to see the best doctors so they have the longest waits
6. Some practices have poor admin and follow-up (FU) isn’t well organised – e.g. in some practices, you cannot arrange FU appointments. You have to queue at 8am with the other 100 people trying to phone them.

So. What can you do?

1. Wait longer to see the doctor you saw first
2. Try to arrange the FU appointment with the first doctor when you are in the room with them. E.g. ask then to ask the receptionist to arrange the FU with them
3. Don’t assume a different doctor seeing you second is a bad thing
   • They should have good notes on you
   • Its good to get second opinion.