registering with the NHS

Ok I am over on a fiance visa and have had a sore throat for the last week and got white spots back there...fun fun fun.  So I guess I need to see a physician.

I'm pretty sure I have cover by the NHS.  My main question is how do I register with the NHS?  How do I find a doctor and make an appointment?

Best thing to do is go to NHS direct (http://www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk/), click on Local Services Database, and in the "Find NHS Services" box, select "Doctor" and enter your postcode.

It'll show you the GP (General Practitioner, a family doctor) surgeries that are near where you live.

Generally people don't register with GPs unless they're ill, so the receptionist is likely to book you in for an emergency consultation without registering first.

You will be expected to register afterwards, so the can claim back from the NHS.

You'll be asked fill in a form to get a medical card, and also to have a medical.

Just wanted to add that some cities have NHS walk-in clinics (check the NHS website, above) that allow you to just walk in and be seen by a nurse straightaway, without the need for an appointment and without having to be registered.  This means you could get seen quickly, but you will still need to phone your local GP to register at some point in time.

Yes you can always use an NHS walk in center. When I moved here I just went to the surgery my husband has been using since he was a kid and regiserted. Why not give your fiances GP a call and ask them their procedure.

Generally people don't register with GPs unless they're ill, so the receptionist is likely to book you in for an emergency consultation without registering first.

I was actually told that it's better to register immediately - before you fall ill - so that you have a doctor who knows you. I registered with my GP before I needed an appointment - just went to the closest surgery, told them I needed to register, they gave me a card to fill out and made an appt. with a nurse for a week or so later (to take blood pressure, weight, etc.) and within the month I had my NHS card in hand....

It IS better, but as BHartman said he was already ill, I was just trying to say that they won't say "you should have registered before, go away".

It generally sensible to get a GP as soon as you move into an area, but I always tend to forget until I need them.

I probably need to learn to plan better......

Call the GP your fiancee is registered with and see if they'll sign you up, BHartman.  You'd probably want to use the same practice, unless she's really unhappy with them for some reason, right?

Can someone point me to the official word that says we're eligible to register with the NHS under fiancee visa?  The reception desk at my fiance's GP just gave me a hard time about it and said they can't register me until I can show I have the right to stay here more than six months.  She did say they'd SEE me if needed but that I couldn't register and would have to pay £25 per visit! 

I want to have it in my hand to show this woman when I go back there!

http://talk.uk-yankee.com/index.php?topic=12106.0

See my post on this thread.  Your GP's receptionist doesn't know what she's on about.

What Britwife said!

Thanks!  I'm going to calmy talk to her tomorrow and show her what I printed from the Dept of Health Website.  I'm too riled up today (think it's finally starting to hit that I've moved!).

 Oh and in case anyone else stumbles across this looking for the link it's:

http://www.dh.gov.uk/PolicyAndGuidance/International/OverseasVisitors/OverseasVisitorsBrowsableDocument/fs/en?CONTENT_ID=4099060&MULTIPAGE_ID=4955329&chk=AO2LKU

Let us know how it goes!

stupid woman still giving me a hassle and didn't read it (though she did ask could I leave it with her).  Ended up calling the "Registration Manager" she'd spoken with but he's out until Monday.  Talked to an associate of his who answered the phone and she said I'm not eleigible! 

Then called NHS Direct and got a call back saying that yes indeed I am eligible and to call the PCT and they'll either sort it out with the surgery or send me a NHS number.  Spoke to an Allison there yesterday and just waiting to hear back from her. 

This has been the only blip so far, I should be thankful.  The bank went smoothly (well we're waiting to hear if I can be added to his account but going down there and doing the paperwork went smoothly) and I got a library card. 

God what a bunch of numpties!!
Hope they get you sorted out before you actually fall ill and *need* to see someone! 

sounds like a receptionist on a power hungery trip.  glad to hear that at least everything else is going alright....