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Please excuse this really dumb question....
Is it ok to see the GP for yourself, and for DS at the same time, or is that against protocol somehow? ie, I want to go to the GP to get a referral for antenatal appointments at my clinic (they require this), and while I'm there want him to check both me and DS out for our lingering colds.
So are you paying him for the 15 mins or per ailment?? I feel so silly asking this!
I think it should be fine, specially since the first request won't take up much time. If not they'll just charge you for a longer appointment.
It can take me 2wks to get into see my GP (Ballarat has a shortage of GP's :doh:)
If I have already booked just a 15min appt with my GP (for myself only) ... BUT say for example something suddenly comes up with my 20mth old daughter & I need her checked out too ... My GP will check her out too providing I haven't gone over the 15mins myself :)
I usually mention it to her the minute I walk into her consulting room to warn her so she can speed things up with me ... OR better still I have rung the medical Clinic that same day as my appt & I have warned the receptionist that the GP might see my daughter whilst in there too & she makes sure that my daughter's FILE is on hand for the GP when I attend my appt ;)
I pay a $27.50for myself and it's for FREE for children up to the age of 5years in the medical clinic I attend but who knows that will most likely change one day :rolleyes:
I used to work as a medical receptionist and the drs preferred if you book two appts to see 2 ppl, however if something's come up on the day they are usually happy to see two, just provided it's not two longwinded things. Sometimes they will charge/bulk bill for the second slot though.
I've been in to my GP for two things at once heaps of time. One time I went in to get Claires vax done, get a pap smear for myself, and ask a few questions about something else. He bulk bills so I didnt pay anything at all, and I only signed the one medicare form for my consultation. If its something that I know will take longer then I just tell the receptionist when I am booking the appointment.
I need to see the GP for both myself and my son this week so I have booked two appointments as that is the way they prefer it. If it were a few things for myself then I'd just book one but for DS I will book his own appointment. I have always felt bad asking to be checked out myself if I've booked an appointment for my son or vice versa. Though if I was only asking for a referral then having DS checked out I'd just keep the one appointment.
i had an appointment once for Krystal, then i asked if it were possible to get a pill prescription for myself.. the horrible doctor i saw (not our regular) stormed out and came back with a second bulk billing form for me to sign - didnt ask me to, just handed it to me... i was like.. ok you could have just said no, sorry you need your own appt.
i now tell the receptionist if i plan to ask about myself & Krystal in the one, to see what they prefer to do in that instance.
Ok thanks that is all very informative :)
My old Dr I would try to book 2 appointments in a row, but if something came up during an appointment for one of us he was happy to deal with us both. Normally he would charge for the adult and bulk bill the child. All records were on computer, so it was no hassle to bring up the other file. Have to find out how my new clinic operates.
As long as it doesn't go over the 15mins couldn't see a problem! Our clinic up here is always double booked...such a pain cause you are normally waiting for an hour to get in!!
I think it depends on the doctor. We have been in to my GP for two things at once heaps of time and she doesn't mind but I know some doctors in the same centre do mind.
This happened with me today. I actually had one of the cancellation appoitments as my GP is so hard to get into to see anyone and there are like 7 GPs in the practice! Usually it takes about 2-3 weeks to get into. But anyway i had to see him about a lump i have under my ribs and also about my insomnia and i asked about Lily's bed wetting and he gave me path test for a wee sample for her. And it was all fine to do. I dont think it went over the 15mins though and they bulkbilled Lily and charged normal for me.
I agree, depends on the doctor, how strict/busy they are and how complex the issues are.
I have an ongoing health issue and have to see my doctor very regularly. He knows that it's starting to cost me a fortune so he has said he will bulk bill me if it gets to be a strain. Because I am aware that his time is valuable I try to keep other issues very brief. For example my DS injured his ear recently too and needed the doctor to have a quick check in his ear. This only took a second or two so my doctor didn't mind as I was (in total) well under the 15 minutes. You have to use your discretion. Keep it quick if possible if you want to get two for the price of one... and ask first if it's ok to ask a quick question.