Advice on what to do when changing GPs

[Elizabeth CP]

I have been seeing doctors in this clinic for about 20 years. Some of the GPs have since left & the GP I'm seeing now I no longer feel comfortable with. Eg after getting results for some tests I asked for clarification on what I should be doing to manage the situation. Her reply I don't think this condition is causing any problems so you might have IBS so look up this website & follow its advice. The website said I needed to see a professional to get proper advice I couldn't just read the information!!! She commented that my problems are probably just stress but no discussion re what I was doing. The last straw was when I mentioned some problems I was having & I said I wasn't sure if it was just anxiety of something else. She immediately wrote a referral to a cardiologist but made no effort to even check my blood pressure of listen to my heart or lungs to see if there was something urgent to get checked.

I plan on moving to my husband's GP as she seems better. My query is what should I do to ensure everything is passed over to the new GP. I have an ongoing referral to a psychiatrist which needs to be continued & I have been seeing allied health for physical problems under a GP plan. I have recently had a lot of tests & want all the results to be sent across so the issues can be managed. I want it to be as simple as possible

[Croix]

Dear Elizabeth CP~

As someone with 747 posts I'm not going to welcome you to the forum:)

From what you say it would appear that you seem to have a rather disinterested GP, going though minimal motions whilst being active enough to forestall any serious criticism. Relying upon legitimate 'judgment calls' as her protection should her conduct be questioned.

Moving to your husband's GP may in fact be a pretty good move, you already have some idea as to how she performs and it's possible you might be able to take your husband with you for at least part of an initial (long) consultation.

I would only suggest two things. First write down as much of your history and current situation as you can at your leisure, including any the details of any professionals you are currently referred to. Use this as the basis for your first meeting.

Second rely upon your new doctor to advise you on obtaining your pertinent medical records from your old one. This may or may not be wholly successful.

I include a link to the for the Medical Council of NSW code of practice on medical records, while I'm not sure of your location I would expect other states would treat your records in a similar manner (if someone else knows different please sing out)

http://www.mcnsw.org.au/page/old-policies/medical-records-patient-guide/

Whilst this information is several years old I think it could still be the norm.

My best wishes

Croix

[blondguy]

Hi Elizabeth

Croix has great advice above including switching to your husband's GP

Your husbands GP will have his/her staff transfer your files across so you wont have to worry.

You can double check the info when its received with your new GP. There are tight controls on this compared to even a few years ago so your entire medical file remains intact.

Ive just been through the same exercise myself without an issue.

Im sorry that you have been through what you have....Its just not acceptable.

Great to see you Elizabeth as always and Happy Oz day to you too:-)

My Best

Paul

[Elizabeth CP]

Thank you Croix & Paul for your advice & encouragement. I have never been totally happy with this GP. The one she took over from was brilliant. She was the one who referred me to the psych after several failed attempts on ADs. She listened & cared unlike the current GP. I was a bit concerned about complicating things using my husband's GP but last time I took my husband the first thing the GP asked was about my weight. Once I reassured her I had been on a diet she said she was happy. I felt that she cared and was going out of her way to make sure I was fine since she knows I am my husband's carer. A few other times when I've taken my husband the GPs have asked me how I'm coping. They have my name on their books so I guess I need to bite the bullet & make an appointment and then arrange for all my records to be transferred.