Just getting an appointment can be a struggle, but who you see could be a matter of life or death.
When we’re poorly, the first thing we want is medical advice. And these days our options are mind-boggling. We can visit countless health websites online, book an appointment with a virtual doctor, call 111 to talk to a human on the end of a phone or even use an AI (artificial intelligence) doctor on platforms such as Babylon. Want to see someone? we can visit urgent care centres or if we’re very ill head to our local A&E.
But what about the old-fashioned idea of seeing the same doctor face-to-face, year on year? Well, for many, actually visiting the GP’s surgery is a bit of a hassle, but also many practices these days have a range of doctors, so you’re never certain who you’ll see. However, not seeing the doctor of your choice might not just be an inconvenience – according to former president of the Royal College of GPs (RCGP), Sir Denis Pereira Gray, it could be ‘literally a matter of life and death’.
Any doctor will see you now
Researchers from the University of Exeter Medical School, who looked at 22 studies covering 1.4 million people worldwide, found that patients were significantly more likely to die if they had appointments with different doctors. Another study from the US also discovered that nearly a fifth of diabetes patients who saw different GPs died within three years, compared to just 8% who saw the same doctor.
This story is from the August 20, 2018 edition of WOMAN - UK.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the August 20, 2018 edition of WOMAN - UK.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
EAT WELL (even on a budget) - Easy meals that make the most of your store cupboard, and won't break the bank
Courgette and pesto pasta
The CATCH
The house was perfect - so why was it so cheap?
Elizabeth and THE RAIN
She had made Lisa's life a misery- and now she was back
I won't stop taking my daughter out of school... - TO GO TO THE BEACH!
One mum tells us why fun, spontaneous days are sometimes more important than being in the classroom
Where's the JUSTICE?
Catherine Wardle's son died over a senseless Snapchat spat
Fat-shamed BY MY MUM
Gemma Hall, 28, showed off her snaps and got a dose of tough love
Fighting for SURVIVAL
When Danielle Camilleri collapsed at 40, the diagnosis was devastating
Finding love AFTER LOSS
As Kelsey Parker moves on after losing her husband Tom, we investigate how difficult it is to find love again in widowhood
Phil's revenge
Phillip Schofield is back on our screens after a 16-month hiatus and it seems it's all-out war between the former presenter and ITV.
'I'm too scared TO HAVE SURGERY'
Christine Lampard on gratitude, staying in shape and date nights with husband Frank.