Seeing an OBGYN on NHS

I understand the procedure for registering with a regular GP on NHS, but how does it work for obgyn? I tend to think of the NHS as a huge HMO plan. OBGYN was always an exception, though. You don't have to get a referral, etc, and yearly checks are automatically included with no charge. Will I be able to choose an OBGYN or do I have to go through my GP for a referral and/or getting my monthly birth control, for example? I've got a couple of months stocked up, but I'd like to go ahead and take care of stuff like that (especially since I won't be working right away, so it will be easier to take deal with it then.)

Thanks!

As far as I know, there aren't separate OBGYNs in the UK (unless you need a specialist referral) - everything is done through your GP surgery.

If you need birth control, you either get it from your GP through a regular appointment (no check up needed for it other than blood pressure and perhaps a weight check), or you can just go to a GUM/Family planning clinic and ask for it.

As far as I am aware, GPs usually issue birth control either in 6-monthly or 12-monthly prescriptions and you should only need to see the GP for a review once a year (maybe twice - probably depends on your circumstances). Also, all birth control prescriptions are free of charge.

If you need a pap smear, it is usually done by one of the nurses at your GP surgery (standard is once every 3 years between the ages of 25 and 50, then every 5 years between 50 and 64, unless you have need for more regular check-ups (i.e. family history etc.)). You just make an appointment with a nurse every 3 years.

If you need a pap smear

Only... if you ask for a 'pap' smear, you're likely to get a funny look because it's just called a smear test here. 

The procedures as Ksand described them are pretty much as i remember from when I lived in London, but in Scotland we have seperate NHS GUM clinics where all the sexual health stuff is dealt with.  Is that a Scotland-only thing?

You just make an appointment with a nurse every 3 years.

Just to clarify what ksand said, I've always been contacted every three years for my smear. You don't actually have to take the initiative and remember to make the appointment. Once you're in the NHS system, they'll remind you.

Also, if you have any complicated health issues it's possible to have a test more frequently.

Only... if you ask for a 'pap' smear, you're likely to get a funny look because it's just called a smear test here.

Yep - I worded it as 'pap smear' so it wouldn't cause confusion for anyone unfamiliar with UK terminonolgy, but yes, in the UK, it's just a 'smear test'.

Just to clarify what ksand said, I've always been contacted every three years for my smear. You don't actually have to take the initiative and remember to make the appointment. Once you're in the NHS system, they'll remind you.

Yes, sorry, I forgot to clarify that... first they send you a letter reminding you about it, then you contact them to book a suitable appointment time.

I get my BC from my GP or a nurse, it's not necessary to go to the family planning clinic for just the pill (I did have to go to the clinic to get the implant put in and taken out though). I don't remember the ones previous, but my last smear was done by a practice nurse rather than in the FP clinic as well. It may very depending on the local trust, but sexual health is not completely separate Scotland-wide.

You can also visit a Family Planning Clinic, if there is one in your area, for birth control, sexual health problems, emergency contraception and well woman checks.

Just look them up and make an appointment, no referral needed. I used to prefer the FPC to my local GP as FPC doctors specialize in OBGYN. The one in my area had early evening appointments which was very convenient.

I see a nurse at my GP's office for birth control. My first visit she weighed me, measured my height (not sure why) and took my blood pressure. She then asked for my family medical history. Then she discussed my options and went over the pros and cons. I chose one and she gave me a 6 month prescription. When the 6 months was up, I went back to the nurse who weighed me and took my blood pressure again and then she gave me another 6 month prescription. I'm not sure if that's how it will work for you, but that has been my experience.

Also, the receptionist got very confused when I called and asked to make an appointment for birth control. After 5 minutes of her asking me and her co-workers questions, I used the word contraceptive and she was like "oooooooooh, I'll make you an appointment with the nurse then." I'm not sure if Birth Control isn't the term typically used here or if she misunderstood, but be prepared for that.

Just to add, I got a letter to get a smear test not long after I registered with the GP, I didn't have to specifically request one.  The nurse practitioner at the surgery did them for me. 

GPs are quite comfortable with contraception discussions, due to my autoimmune condition ,my GP took me off anything hormonal and he handed me a big pile of condoms to use instead. So they should help you with your options as well. 

a big pile of condoms

 

I tend to think of the NHS as a huge HMO plan. OBGYN was always an exception, though. You don't have to get a referral, etc, and yearly checks are automatically included with no charge.

Well...you're likely to be a bit frustrated and/or disappointed if you tend to think of the NHS like that. Perhaps I had a rather responsive HMO in the U.S. but I could just pop in to primary doctor and ask to be referred to a specialist with little issue. Here it'll take a bit more trial and error and waiting before you're referred to any specialist by a GP.

I've been dealing with a "wait and see" approach to my skin issues for almost 2 years now. GP still wants to try some options before referring to a dermatologist...) And similarly, specialist care/referrals for children is likely to take a LONG time as well (my son waited 7 months for a hearing test at the hospital audiology dept when being evaluated for speech and language delays, for example)

But...I cannot fault NHS for the quality of care we've received...even if it's taken massive amounts of patience to get there.

Well...you're likely to be a bit frustrated and/or disappointed if you tend to think of the NHS like that.

Absolutely agreed.  My advice: have very low expectations and then you wont be disappointed in the care you actually recieve from the NHS.

I think it very much depends on where you are. Like Ooonablah, I was looking for a referral for a skin issue, and my GP did it immediately, while I was in her office. I had an appointment with a consultant in less than two weeks.

Yeah, I've never had to wait more than a few weeks for any referrals, and when my doctor has felt it to be urgent I've had appointments within a week or two. Unfortunately I think London is supposed to be one of the worst areas in terms of NHS service, so the OP may have more of mirrajay and Oonablah's experiences.

We've never had to wait more than two weeks or so for a referral and we're in greater London. The shortest referral time I've ever had was less than 24 hours, the longest about two weeks (to see a midwife, so that had to wait until a certain gestational age anyway).