How To Choose The Right GP for Your Menopause Journey
Whatever the reason you find yourself looking for a new doctor you want to be sure you choose the right one. Choosing the right doctor for you and your menopause needs is important as very little outranks your health and wellbeing. What is more, you want to visit a GP that you can confide in and trust, one you have confidence in. Here are some considerations you can make when choosing your next GP.
Location and facilities
The location of your doctor is essential, if you are opting for an NHS doctor then you will need to research the practices near you and ensure that you are eligible for the surgery location you have chosen. Proximity is of course important as you do not want to find yourself unable to get to the doctors now or in years to come because of the distance. Can you walk there? Do you need to? What about transport links? You could do a test run to find out how easy it is to get to the practice.
Once you are there have a good look around and get a feel for it and the facilities available. Is it accessible? Does it look professional? Clean? Welcoming? Are the staff friendly? Do they offer treatment rooms? Minor surgeries? Are there any affiliated practices such as dental or pharmacies? If you are opting for private medical treatment do they offer high end consulting rooms? Do they have the facilities you need and expect? To give you an idea of what to expect from private consulting rooms and practitioners, Medifit Design and Construct showcase some of the latest and innovative medical providers and their treatment rooms.
Gender and ease of booking
There are times when you might wish to see a doctor of a particular gender and you are completely within your rights to do so. It may therefore be prudent to select your doctor with their gender in mind and any particular ailments you may have. Alternatively, you may wish to select a practice that enables you to see a variety of doctors and offers you the option to request a doctor of a particular gender or skillset on the day you need to see them.
Understanding Hormones and Women’s Health
Many surgeries now have menopause specialists so ask your receptionist for a Doctor who understands the menopause journey. While a general practitioner is qualified to treat a wide variety of medical complaints some GP’s will take a special interest in certain medical areas. For example, it could be in women’s health, minor surgeries or weight management. Does your prospective practice have a specialty or potentially several? Do you need one? Research any particular fields of interest your GP practice may have or alternatively seek out those which would benefit you.
Private Testing
With long waiting lists you may wish to consider private testing. As a Nutrition Gut Specialist, I offer private comprehensive stool, hormone, thyroid and full blood panel tests. They can be ordered promptly. Tests are done in the privacy of your own home and results are delivered quickly via a secure client portal. I can work together with your GP to get you the support you need.
Opening hours and online services
What are the opening hours and do they suit you? Some general practitioners offer early morning or late evening appointments, is this something you need? What about the online options? Doctors surgeries are moving online more and more, giving patients more flexibility. Can you book appointments online? What about undergoing consultations online or renewing prescriptions? Do you want to and will this service make your life easier?