Can you see a different gp if you're not happy with who saw first

The Raptor

This might sound stupid. But i grew up thinking, once you're registered to a gp practice in your area, you're stuck with them.

So anyway, i moved and changed gp. To be honest i picked the closest one to me. It's pretty much him in an office. So it's a small place.

I got referred on.

This is where I'm not happy. Getting a referral can take months and months. I have waited two years before. I'm still worried in that i have a new spot and it's a bit sore and itchy. A new growth is everything they say to get checked out. It doesn't help that I'm covered in moles already and i have been warned before about the dangers of the sun and i have an increased risk of cancer. I keep on eye on everything and watch for any changes as it is. Skin cancer can be cured if caught early, so yes i want to get this checked out as soon as possible. Yet, the doctor said it was a skin tag but he still wasn't sure because it was bigger than normal for a skin tag. It doesn't put my mind at ease. So i can imagine that i will be waiting and waiting because it's only a skin tag and not that important.

I can wait to be referred.

Or there seems to be a few gps that does dermatology and mole checking and minor surgeries, so maybe removal as well. Will this be a quicker option?

old boy

if you have the money they have the time

RobFowl

You can attend any Gp you want for a second opinion and can change to another practice if they are able to take you on (some are full in many areas)

Mrs OBumble

The only issue is if you have a medical card: with that, you can only be enrolled with one GP at a time. So if you want to get a 2nd opinion you have to pay for the 2nd GP yourself.

OP, if I was in your shoes, I would look around for a medical centre (ie small group of GPs who work together) who advertise that they have an interest in dermatology. Ring up and ask the receptionist if they ever do mole removals. Even if they're not willing to take you on as a full patient, they may agree to see you for this particular problem.

Rhinohippo

OP hasn't said if she/he is on a medical card, so it's difficult to know what to advise. Whatever the situation, do without something else to prioritise being seen. Best of luck.

The Raptor

Yes I have a medical card. I wasn't happy with what I was told by a doctor. Was told I had a skin tag but it was bigger than normal. All I know I had a skin coloured mole that started changing. I wasn't happy that he can dismiss me and my concerns and what I wanted. I did pay to get seen to and get it removed elsewhere.