Doctors online (aka; how the heck do you get an appointment)

[Robmarriott]

I’ve got a recurring issue with my right leg, some numbness around the top of the kneecap, ‘bubbling’ and occasionally tingling below the knee.

I’ve been trying to get hold of my local doctors for quite literally months but because I have a job where I’m on the phone all day, I can’t repeatedly ring them like other people seem to be able to, so I can’t get through to book an appointment.

What are my options? I’m getting increasingly concerned about it because it doesn’t seem to be improving.

Due to my job, I can’t really take a video call for an appointment. Are there any online services which work via email?

[Munter]

I think to start with you explain to your boss you need a morning to constantly harass the Dr receptionist for an appointment. Then go from there.

The phone will eventually free up, all emergency appointments will be gone, you will get a phone appointment, where the Dr will decide what to do next.

At all times try to remember that the NHS is to it's believers, "world class"

[bigpriest]

Is your GP surgery using an online appointment service? Usually when you book an appointment you send a message explaining your symptoms and the GP will reply via the messaging service, no need for a video call unless they request it, sometimes they may ask for photos. You can also ask for a phone consultation.

[Riley Blue]

https://www.nhsapp.service.nhs.uk/login

[Robmarriott]

bigpriest said:

Is your GP surgery using an online appointment service? Usually when you book an appointment you send a message explaining your symptoms and the GP will reply via the messaging service, no need for a video call unless they request it, sometimes they may ask for photos. You can also ask for a phone consultation.

They are but you have to be registered for it, which they can only do over the phone

[Riley Blue]

Robmarriott said:

bigpriest said:

Is your GP surgery using an online appointment service? Usually when you book an appointment you send a message explaining your symptoms and the GP will reply via the messaging service, no need for a video call unless they request it, sometimes they may ask for photos. You can also ask for a phone consultation.

They are but you have to be registered for it, which they can only do over the phone

Have you tried the 111 out of hours service? They may be able to make an appointment for you.

[Robmarriott]

Not yet, that’s an option but I thought I’d try the others beforehand.

[Robmarriott]

Booked an appointment on for Friday via the app. Now I’ve got 4 days of crippling anxiety about what it might be because I’ve googled the symptoms like a mug.

Thanks everyone for the tips!