When you are ill, you might want to see your usual doctor, as they will likely know your medical history and you may trust and feel comfortable with them more than other doctors.
However, it is not always possible to see your doctor or the doctor that you normally see.
Therefore, here are some of the top steps that you should take if you are struggling to get an appointment with the doctor that you normally see when you are feeling under the weather.
Get A Virtual Appointment
The top step that you should look into taking when you are unable to get an appointment with your usual doctor is to get a virtual appointment.
A virtual appointment can allow you to get the same amount and quality of care as you would in person, but without having to leave the house or go to your doctor’s surgery’s physical location.
Although you might worry that virtual appointments are less trustworthy than others, virtual appointments can be perfect for those who live in rural areas, as well as those with minor health conditions and medical issues.
They can ensure that you are seen quickly and that your appointment does not take a big chunk of your day away from you. They are also often easier to access than physical doctor’s appointments.
Your usual doctor’s clinic may offer an online consultation form for you to fill in, which they will then respond to within a few days.
If you choose to get a virtual appointment this way, you can simply sit back and wait for their response.
However, you might also look into telehealth services, such as medical apps and medical video conferencing services which can allow you to speak remotely to a doctor. For those who want to book a virtual appointment with a doctor, tapgp.co.uk can help you to do just that.
See A Different Doctor
Although you might be comfortable with your doctor and reluctant to explain your medical history to a new one, sometimes, it is better to get seen by any doctor you are able to, especially if you believe that your health condition may need to be sorted urgently.
For instance, you might need urgent medical care if you are showing signs of cancer or infection. Not only this, but seeing any doctor can ensure that you are able to put your mind at rest quickly.
So, rather than waiting ages to see the in-demand doctor that you have in mind, you should instead ask for an appointment with a different doctor, or head to a different clinic altogether to find a doctor who specializes in your health condition and who has the availability to help you with your current health problem.
Head To A Pharmacy
If your health condition is minor, you might look at visiting a pharmacy, if only to tide you over until you can speak to a doctor.
Pharmacies may even be able to help you more with issues such as small infections and skin problems.
They will be able to give you OTC medications and speak to you in-depth about your condition, as well as what you can do to soothe it.
If your issue has not resolved itself within a few days, you can then look at speaking to a doctor about it. You should search around for pharmacies in your area whose qualified team may be able to help you.
Phone A Helpline
There are also many helplines that you can call if you are struggling with a certain condition and especially if you want to talk to someone about your mental health.
By doing this, you may be able to sort out your urgent health issues and find out what type of medical attention you need. You should then look around for a helpline from a charity that understands your specific condition.
Look Up Your Symptoms Online
Although this is not the first step that you should take, if you are unable to get any other form of help quickly, you might consider looking up your symptoms online.
Looking up your symptoms online might allow you to understand your health better and help you to realize whether your condition needs to be seen urgently or not.
You might also find self-care solutions that can enable you to get better without the aid of a doctor, depending on what your condition is.
However, you should always make sure that you look around for a reputable medical website or symptom checker so that you can get the right advice and to ensure that you do not come away feeling more afraid than previously or trying out home remedies which will make the condition worse.
