First Appointment

Sorry if this is a stupid question, but I have a lot of healthcare anxiety! I called up our local GP practice to make appointments for myself and my husband, and the receptionist(?) just gave me two 15-minute time slots. No questions about why we needed the appointments or who we wanted to see. Is that normal? How do they know who you should see or how long it will take if they don't know why you're calling? Is the initial visit just preliminary and any actual tests or procedures done at later appointments?

I'm due for a pap test/well woman exam and we're trying to conceive (plus I'm quite uncomfortable with male doctors), so I was really hoping to see the one doctor at the practice with a concentration in OB/GYN -- should I call back and see if I can get an appointment with her specifically?

Sorry if this is a stupid question, but I have a lot of healthcare anxiety! I called up our local GP practice to make appointments for myself and my husband, and the receptionist(?) just gave me two 15-minute time slots. No questions about why we needed the appointments or who we wanted to see. Is that normal? How do they know who you should see or how long it will take if they don't know why you're calling? Is the initial visit just preliminary and any actual tests or procedures done at later appointments?

Yes, that’s normal - they don’t need to know why you are calling because all appointment slots are only 10 minutes (or 15-20 minutes for an initial appointment). If you need extra time, they may run a little longer or you will be asked to book another appointment.

You see whichever doctor they have assigned to you for that appointment, unless you request to see a specific doctor.

No tests are done as far as I know. It’s just an initial appointment to see you and check any medical history, and for you to request anything specific you need. If you need to go back for tests etc. they’ll ask you to make another appointment specifically for the tests.

I'm due for a pap test/well woman exam and we're trying to conceive (plus I'm quite uncomfortable with male doctors), so I was really hoping to see the one doctor at the practice with a concentration in OB/GYN -- should I call back and see if I can get an appointment with her specifically?

Pap smears are done by nurses in the UK, not doctors, and as far as I’m aware they are all female (though if they aren’t you can request a female nurse) and book specifically for a smear test, and will be given an appointment with one of the nurses that carries them out.

Smears are only routinely done every 3 years here, unless you have a history or abnormal results or cervical cancer, and the appointment only lasts about 5 minutes (you undress, lie down, they do the smear, you get up, get dressed and leave).

In regards to trying to conceive, I’m not sure how that works in terms of seeing a doctor - whether you book with the OBGYN concentration doctor or if you just book a regular appointment... I’d probably ask at the surgery, but you can certainly request an appointment with the OBGYN doctor if you like, though you may need to attend that appointment separately after your initial appointment.



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And don't call it a 'pap smear' because no one will know what you're talking about.  Just call it a 'smear test'.
God, I hate that word 'smear'. 
I think it's also called 'cervical screening' sometimes...

And don't call it a 'pap smear' because no one will know what you're talking about.  Just call it a 'smear test'.
God, I hate that word 'smear'. 
I think it's also called 'cervical screening' sometimes...

Cream cheese schmear.

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If you're not having anything specific for your initial appointment, you can call for an appointment with the OB/GYN specialist one or for any particular doctor (but you may have to wait longer). However, all GPs should be able to help you figure out the best ways to get help with conceiving.  You can also phone back up and request a smear test appointment with the practise nurse without needing to see a GP.

I think the thing that threw me the first time I went to the GP was that they came out and called my name. No medical assistant weighing me or taking my blood pressure or having me go through hoops or wait and wait and wait and wait (I had GP appointments in the US where they would sometimes run 1-2 hours late! And then the appointment itself being a good 1/2 hour or more).  I remember being in and out within 20 minutes and that was that. 
At my surgery, the doctors take bloods then and there. At my husband's surgery, he has to make an appointment with a practise nurse for blood work.

At my surgery, the doctors take bloods then and there. At my husband's surgery, he has to make an appointment with a practise nurse for blood work.

At my surgery, they give me a slip to take to the hospital lab in Llanelli.  Fortunately, I had a hospital appointment the following week, so I waited 'til I was going to be down there then.  This whole healthcare monitoring thing is going to be quite the palaver.  (I'm practicing my Britishisms.... how'd I do?)

For trying to conceive, they will tell you to take folic acid and to have fun!  Nothing more than that in my experience.

Good luck!   

For trying to conceive, they will tell you to take folic acid and to have fun!  Nothing more than that in my experience.

Good luck!   

But the folic acid is no joke.  Please take it.

For trying to conceive, they will tell you to take folic acid and to have fun!  Nothing more than that in my experience.

Good luck!   

Which means if you have real issues, you're going to need to be a thorn in their sides. 

Thanks, all! This is really helpful. I guess I'll just go to the initial appointment, ask all my questions, and take it from there.

We've been here a little over a year and have mostly gotten the hang of things, but there are still occasions like this where I suddenly realize I have no idea what I'm doing!

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Which means if you have real issues, you're going to need to be a thorn in their sides.

Or go private

They may be able to give you an OB referral due to the PCOS though if that is causing issues. They sent me in pretty quickly for my awful periods.

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I don't have any preexisting conditions (that I know of) -- I'm just old. We're hoping for the best, but probably won't try any major interventions. I think we'd both be equally happy with the extra disposable income and a bunch of cats, lol.

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I think we'd both be equally happy with the extra disposable income and a bunch of cats, lol.

That's the attitude my husband has... except replace "cats" (plural) with "dog" (singular) (and maybe on the dog).  I've always been more receptive to the idea of having a child, but health-wise, it wasn't something I could accomplish, so disposable income it is!  And now that we're past all the visas, the future is now!

I don't have any preexisting conditions (that I know of) -- I'm just old. We're hoping for the best, but probably won't try any major interventions. I think we'd both be equally happy with the extra disposable income and a bunch of cats, lol.

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What do you consider old? 

Cats are good!  I have two adorable kiddos.  But some days me and the cat just give each other a knowing glance.    Okay, everyday. 

What do you consider old? 

I've just turned 41. I've got friends whose kids are already grown!

I've always been ambivalent about children -- I wouldn't be trying at all if I hadn't finally found a great guy. I do feel like I'll be missing out a bit if it doesn't happen, but our life is pretty sweet as is.

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