Choosing a doctor is a very much a personal decision and it is therefore worth spending some time and doing some research into local doctors' surgeries before you make your final decision. Changing doctor is a relatively straightforward process but it shouldn't be taken lightly. The following is some information and practical advice to guide you through key things you need to know and to do when choosing a doctor.

Finding doctors in your area
A good way to find a list of your local doctors is to visit a classified ads website and search for doctors in your area. This will generate a list of local doctors, the services they provide and their contact details. The National Health Service (NHS) website for England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland also can provide you with a list of local doctors by entering your postcode. However, if you don't have access to the web you should be able to find a list of your local GPs in a public library, a Citizens Advice Bureau or from your local council offices.

Limitations
Although anyone is entitled to choose which doctor they want to see, there are some limitations. Most practices in the UK operate on a catchment area system which means that you can only register with a particular practice if you live within the immediate area. This system is designed to make sure that a doctor will be able to visit you easily in the event of an emergency. In addition, the doctor can only take you on as a patient if he or she has not reached a pre-defined limit. Finally, the doctor has to consent to take you on as a patient.

Other factors to consider
If you register with a particular practice you can see any doctor within that practice and many people are more than happy to see a different doctor each time they go to the surgery. However, if you prefer to see the same doctor each time then you can request an appointment with that specific doctor. Some people may have a preference for a male or a female GP so make sure that there is a doctor to suit you within the practice. Once you have narrowed your search to a list of 2-3 local surgeries within easy reach, you should go along to each one and ask for leaflets or further information about the practice. For example, opening hours can be a very important consideration. If you think that you might have trouble getting away from work to visit the doctor then you should choose a practice that can provide appointments in the evening or out of hours. You may also need to ascertain that the practice is easily accessible by public transport if you don't or can't drive. Also, make sure that the practice offers any special services that you will require, such as a baby clinic or an asthma clinic etc. Some practices have arrangements with local pharmacists where the prescriptions are sent directly to the pharmacist and they deliver the prescription to your house. This can be a very useful service for anyone with restricted mobility that can't easily get to and from a chemist.

Quality and qualifications
UK Health authorities have charters of service that GP practices must adhere to and many practices also have their own charters. These charters are generally on display but if you don't see them then ask the receptionist for a copy. All GP surgeries in the UK must list the names of the GPs there as well as their General Medical Council (GMC) registration number and their professional qualifications. If you do not see these details displayed then check that they are given in the practice leaflet. In the UK all doctors will have a basic medical qualification from undergraduate medical school which will be denoted as MBBS, MBChB, BM or MB BCh. In order to qualify as a GP a doctor must undertake further training although this will not necessarily result in further designations. However, some GPs will have chosen to specialise in a particular area of medicine such as child health, obstetrics or gynaecology and they may have a further visible qualification, such as a Diploma, in one of these areas. The GMC website has a list of registered medical practitioners which allows you to check the registration status of any doctor. You simply enter the doctor's GMC registration number or their registered name and you will be able to view the doctor's medical qualifications, date of registration, any fitness to practise history and whether or not the doctor is on the GP Register and entitled to work in as a GP in the UK.

Information required
Once you have chosen the practice you want to join and assuming that they are willing and able to accept you as a patient, you will be required to complete an application form and / or provide your medical card. It will also be helpful if you can provide your new GP with a list of any illnesses or conditions that you currently have or have had in the past as well as any medication that you are taking, any allergies that you might have. You should also be willing to give them the contact details of your previous GP for continuity purposes and to make sure that the new GP builds up an accurate and detailed medical history for you as quickly as possible.

Finally, there is no better recommendation than that of word of mouth. All GPs have their own style and approach. Ask local friends and neighbours for their experiences with their own GPs. It doesn't matter how well qualified or suitable a GP may appear to be on paper if their bedside manner isn't going to suit you.
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Classified Ad Results  ( 1 to 6 of 6 ads found )
12 August 2008
Organising a hen party? Look no further!!..
Book your free ann summers party today and receive a free set of lingerie and 10% discount plus the chance to win £1000 and a diamond ring! what are you waiting for?! call ria now on 07949553591 its the most fun you can have with your clothes on!!.
WV10
19 July 2008
Studija..
A hall with garden to let for celebrating any occasions. good for 30-40 people. rent 450£ a day. 10 beaumount road london e13 8rj underground: plaistow 07530543184 07846249211 qwestin@googlemail. com.
£450
E13
17 June 2008
Great news to nurses who want to work in canada..
Hello great news for nurses to who want work in canada…………… we introduced a new program called ‘canada registered nurse placement (crnp) program’ for overseas nurses who’re dreaming to work in beautiful canada. .
SE6
13 June 2008
Certified Medical Assistant/Front Office! ..
Responsible to: a. assist physician with procedures/patient histories b. specimen processing, ekgs, assist with pap smears c. venipuncture, vitals, autoclaving, collect co-payments d. injections, urinalysis, answer multiple-line telephones e. telephone triage, type cor. .
£15,000
EC2R
09 June 2008
Medical Collector/Insurance Follow-up, Complete Collect..
Initiate consumer contact in order to obtain relevant financial and insurance information for payment on hospital/physician claims. coordinate large balance accounts with health insurance providers, attorneys, hospital record keeping staff and other third party payers. .
£16,000
PE28
04 June 2008
3D and 4D ultrasound baby scans..
we are the oldest and most widely recognised company providing every form of scan and care for pregnant and non pregnant women please see our website www. mums. me. uk for further information or telephone 0121 704 2669 this is an example of our 4d technology. .
B95
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