I had to change GP's because I moved out of the area of my old one. I figured "I'm already on T, so it shouldn't be a problem for the new people to carry it on"

oh how wrong I was.

I'm already overdue for my 6 week booster shot. I've had two appointments so far with two different doctors, who both refused to give me my shot. The first person I saw said she wouldn't be comfortable doing it because my medical records hadn't been sent over yet - which would have been fair enough - and she disappeared from the room for a while apparently to call my old doctor and ask them to hurry up with the records. She seemed to really want to make sure I didn't have to wait too long, considering I was already overdue, so I wasn't concerned. She asked me to make an appointment with whichever doctor was next available because my medical records should be sent over within a few hours.

So I did. That appointment was today. A week after the first appointment.

After explaining what I wanted to this doctor because apparently reading the paragraph of notes on the screen before I come in is far too complicated -_- he told me my medical records hadn't come over yet, so he won't do the shot.

So I was like, wtf, they should have come in last week. Nope, not there.

Fine...I had bought in all of the papers relating to my transition anyway, so I started to pull them out, he said they aren't good enough, he needs to get them directly from a doctor to be sure they're legit. The papers I had ARE from the doctors, it just so happens I requested copies of everything just in case. But still no, not good enough. Then he started talking about referring me to a psychiatrist, saying it doesn't matter if I already started the treatment somewhere else, I would have to start again from scratch.

I couldn't be bothered to argue, so I thought fine, I'll just go home and ring the old doctors to yell at them to hurry the hell up with the medical records and then get an appointment with the doctor I saw the first time because she seemed more helpful.

So I rang them, gave the admin woman a right earful. She just acted confused, and said they haven't received a request from anyone for medical records to be transferred. She put me on hold to go and talk to somebody else. Came back and told me the receptionists had literally just 5 minutes ago received the request; and that she was going to get it all sorted and sent off in today's post because it was marked as "urgent"

What the hell? I don't know what to think now. Did the first woman I saw actually make the request or was she lying to my face? Are the old doctors lying to cover up that they forgot to do it?

This is just too awful, I don't have the energy to go through this fight again. It was meant to be OVER. I feel as if I've been starving to death my whole life...then somebodies given me a 5 course meal...and then whipped it away just as I've taken a little nibble.

What are the laws in your country regarding accessing your medical information?

In the UK I have the right to request a viewing of my medical files, If you have this option then request a copy of the request sent as it should have a date on it
If the date doesn't match up to the doctors claim of asking for this info then speak to the practice manager about their complaints procedure, just asking about this can put a bomb under them & get them to pull their finger out.

I've had problems with referals to a dermatologist before now, as soon as I asked for an appointment with the practice manager to lodge a complaint they really got a move on, a fax was dispatched to the local hospital that very day.

I don't know what country you are in & what the laws are there but the fear of a patient lodging a complaint is universal

Speak to the Practice Manager in your NEW doctors.

In the past where I have had to deal with Practice Managers the problems have been sorted really fast. Doctors do not like having the PM breathe down their neck. Phone up and ask to speak with them over the phone or make an appointment for tomorrow or ask the PM to call you back.

Be polite but firm and tell them that this ADMIN ISSUE is affecting your health.

I'm in the UK too, I actually have all of my medical records in a big folder because I requested them, why I can't just hand this folder over I do not know xD that would obviously be far too simple for these people to consider. It never occurred to me to ask to see the date on the request. I'll have to do that. At least it will tell me which party is lying.

I just have to wonder if this same thing would happen if it was something more life threatening....would they refuse to prescribe insulin to a diabetic if there was an admin problem? Surely not....so why is this any different -_-

Quote from: Jeatyn on October 23, 2012, 10:42:19 AM
I just have to wonder if this same thing would happen if it was something more life threatening....would they refuse to prescribe insulin to a diabetic if there was an admin problem? Surely not....so why is this any different -_-

GID kills people.

I remember reading that 10 years ago people who were denied treatment for their GID had a 20% chance of being alive 5 years later. I think that statistic is no longer valid (if it was ever true) but given the rates of depression and poor self-image that many untreated GID people suffer from I would think that it is still a life threatening condition for many.

Maybe you should mention that to the practice manager, especially if you did suffer depressive episodes before treatment.

Hi Jeatyn.

They are hoping you'll go back to your old GP, that's all. The old GP is probably reluctant to let you go, for whatever reason, but probably related to why you've left in the first place.

The new GP will be very reluctant to take on a complicated case, (which yours is), without the direct consent of the current practitioner.

Absolute pain. Yes. But sadly, the way things are. Relax. As annoying as it undoubtedly is, it needs time.

I don't think I need to say this to you, but just stay calm. Speak quietly and play the game.

Quote from: bev2 on October 23, 2012, 11:18:47 AM
GID kills people.

I remember reading that 10 years ago people who were denied treatment for their GID had a 20% chance of being alive 5 years later. I think that statistic is no longer valid (if it was ever true) but given the rates of depression and poor self-image that many untreated GID people suffer from I would think that it is still a life threatening condition for many.

Maybe you should mention that to the practice manager, especially if you did suffer depressive episodes before treatment.

The problem with that is that they may well insist on extensive counseling from a professional they prefer before they will do anything if they hear any sort of suicide talk, even if its just throwing percentages out there.

I'm extremely reluctant to mention anything about this affecting my mental well being (even though it obviously does) because I'm worried social services will get wind of it and use it as an excuse to stick their noses in again

I hope you're right Jill. I don't mind waiting if all they really need is my medical records. This talk about starting me off from scratch with a new gender clinic makes me really nervous though.

How far are you from your previous doctor? I mean, might it be worth it to go back, even if it's just for the one shot? It would give you some more time to work with the new doctors, if they do need more time. I know it will cost you to do that, but it might be less than it costs you in stress and frustration...

Is your new doctor within the same PCT? If it's not then this could be the cause of hold ups as your GP will have to re-request funding.
I'd love to leave this area but i'm trapped here by this stupid ruling

I'm not too sure if it's within a different PCT. The area I'm in is like right on the border between two provinces. I already filled my prescription before I moved just in case they did have to apply for new funding. If I can get them to give me the shot I already have it gives me a 6 week window to get the funding approved.

I can't go back to the old GP because as I've already registered with the new GP I'm no longer considered a patient there. I'm out of their area since I moved so I can't re-register with them either.

If I may, I'll illustrate this from the perspective of someone who used to use similar diagnostic tools as your Dr. Though of course, I am not a Dr.

We all know that living with our condition is hell. But I'm sorry to say, that from many of the feedback here in Susans' for example, one could be mistaken for assuming the treatment is benign. It isn't.

Any treatment is weighing up the gains against the losses. Now, if I were to pass an eye over your history, these are the points I would definitely consider.

Your emotional history. You and I know that is minor. But that GP doesn't.

Any current medical problems. OK, you know you don't have any, but that GP doesn't

You are the principal carer for someone else. Anything happens to you, happens to them. This is a big consideration.

That it's within the same area is irrelevant I'm afraid. If things were that simple then case notes would be flying all over the place and the press would have a field day, publishing them.

It isn't my place to say you will, definately get the prescription. But I can say it seems unlikely that the treatment will be stopped once it has already begun. That would be unusual and would require some pretty good reasons.

What you must do now mate, is relax and let the system work itself out. You've made your case. let the wheels grind.

oh I know don't get me wrong I totally accept that they can't really do anything with me until they get my records.

It's just irritating that:

a: somebody is lying, I sincerely hope it is the old GP that's lying.
b: nobody bothered to let me know that today's appointment would be pointless, it's a waste of my time (and money getting there) and the doctors time
c: I know more about this process that every GP I've ever seen, but they still insist on talking to me like I'm an idiot

I know for a fact that it is not necessary for me to restart my treatment just because I've moved house, yet I have to sit and listen to somebody who has no experience or knowledge on the subject blather on about it like it's a hard fact. Then just shake his head at me condescendingly when I try and tell him otherwise.

Jeatyn.

I know many of us here feel your frustration.  I hope I didn't give the impression otherwise. It was never my intention. Take care mate and hugs to that baby!

Transphobia isn't always explicit but is something a lot of and maybe most cispeople struggle with sometimes, especially medical providers. The way you're being treated is demeaning and you don't deserve it. Try to hang on. Be (or pretend to be) very confident when you tackle these problems with providers who clearly don't understand. You have every reason to be upset and unhappy but at this point you don't have a doctor who will be able to put it in context if they see it. Try to be very careful with your emotions.

My medical records have now been transferred, so I asked to make another appointment. It's ended up being with the condescending doctor because otherwise I would have had to wait ages to be seen.

If I'm treated like a child again I will be asking for the practice manager.

If you disagree with your GP you are entitled to ask for a second opinion.
I've had to do this several times when i've not been happy with a GP's treatment of my excema, sometimes i've been told I need to make another appointment but at my last practice they called another GP in to make a diagnosis straight away.

I requested a different doctor, I got a lovely helpful woman who in her words "has a sister who used to be a brother"  ... she seemed very understanding and made it clear that she totally gets that this is like a HUGE important thing in my life. She gave me my shot (woohoo!) and sent off a referral for a new gender clinic that's much closer to home....and sent off a letter requesting funding, turns out it is a new PCT.

Everything seems to be working out ok after all. Just have to cross my fingers that the new PCT approve my funding otherwise I'll have to go find a private doctor.