private clinic consultancy info

sirio

hi,

I would like to have more info about booking a consultancy with a private dermatologist.
1) Why do I need a referral from a GP for a private appointment? It costs 50€ for nothing.
2) Why do I have to wait 7 days for somebody to communicate me the date of the appointment?

This is the first time that I am doing that. I am currently in contact with Hermitage Clinic and this looks so strange to me. I called in Blackrock clinic and Beacon and they told me the same things.

Any advice? I expected that when I call in a hospital I can know directly when the first private visit with a doctor can be arranged, not wait 1 week just to know a date. They told me this is to prioritize things, but I am calling a private doctor, not an ER!
This to me is totally unacceptable and very frustrating!

Thanks

polydactyl

sirio wrote: »

hi,

I would like to have more info about booking a consultancy with a private dermatologist.
1) Why do I need a referral from a GP for a private appointment? It costs 50€ for nothing.
2) Why do I have to wait 7 days for somebody to communicate me the date of the appointment?

1) because the GP can tell you if you need to actually see a consultant. Just because you have decided you do does not mean you medically do.

2) because they have likely a public/private contract do have only private clinics on certain days. This'd clinics may be full so the sect needs to show the consultant your letter (from GP) so they can ascertain how urgent it is and see if you need you need a clinic sooner or later.

They are not sitting in an empty room just waiting for your apt so these things take time.

sirio

Hi polydactyl,
I do not agree with your explanation.

1) as long as I pay I should be able to book an appointment with whoever I desire. it should actually be illegal to ask for a GP referral, unless you are applying for a public service so you should waste government money.
2) there should be a centralized system that will show who is available and when in max 2 minutes time and eventually let you book an appointment directly, without get prioritized. First come first served should be. This is private and I pay, consequently I want top service. I am not paying 60c to send a letter, I would expect this treatment by the old lady who is not willing to do nothing at the post office. I want to get prioritized? I'll go to ER and wait for my turn, I would definitely save money too.

This system is crap and should be illegal. That's it.

byhookorbycrook

The gp thing means that people who really need a consultant are given priority. Otherwise you'd have people self diagnosing with all sorts and stopping those who really do need to see a consultant actually get one.

Thephantomsmask

You do realise that everyone else attending those *private* hospitals are private patients too? Who do you expect to be prioritised above in that instance, which is completely aside from the fact that, even in private practice, people with greater clinical need will get priority. This is the reason for a gp letter is to provide a clinical summary to triage your condition and determine if it is an appropriate referral. It isn't a walk in service.