In England, the GP Holds the Door to Every Specialist — Epoche A2
In England you cannot simply book a heart doctor, a skin doctor or a scan for yourself. Your GP — the local family doctor — must send you with a referral letter. Here are the usual questions. Why can I not go straight to the specialist? Because the GP is the gatekeeper. One doctor sees the whole person, does the first tests, and treats what can be treated near home. Most problems never need a specialist at all. What is the appointment for? It is short, often about ten minutes. Say your main problem first and say it plainly. The GP examines you, may take blood, and then decides whether to refer you. How long does a referral take? Often several weeks, sometimes longer. A letter or a phone call brings you the date. What if it is urgent? If the GP marks the referral urgent, you are seen far sooner. Say clearly how bad the pain is; the doctor cannot feel it for you. Is there a door with no letter? One. For chest pain, heavy bleeding or a serious accident, go to A&E — accident and emergency — or call an ambulance. Nobody there will ask for a letter. The system is slower for the patient in a hurry, and fairer for the patient who is truly ill.