Too Busy to See a Doctor? How to Find Time For Your Health
Many of us have very busy lives involving work, family commitments and a whole array of errands. Visiting a doctor is a task that can often be pushed to the bottom of the list – especially if it’s for a health problem that doesn’t seem urgent. But small problems can turn into bigger problems if ignored.
The good news is that you don’t always have to book a day off work just to get medical advice. By understanding all the services that are available, it’s possible to fit healthcare around a busy schedule. Below are some practical tips to ensure that you’re making time for your health.
Use the NHS app to book smart
Many of us still phone in for a doctor’s appointment, which can be a time-consuming process itself, often resulting in half an hour on the phone at 8am with no certainty that you’ll actually get an available appointment. However, this is not always necessary – in some locations, it’s possible to book an appointment via the NHS app instead. You can also use this app to request repeat prescriptions and check test results.
Look into phone/video consultations
Travelling to a doctor’s surgery and sitting in a waiting room can take up a lot of time, and can be difficult to fit around responsibilities like work or childcare. Fortunately, many GPs now offer phone or video consultations that can be carried out remotely from anywhere, making it possible to squeeze them into a lunch break or attend from home. Of course, certain tests will require an in-person appointment, but some may be possible to do via video.
Talk to your local pharmacist
For some health problems, it’s possible to consult your local chemist directly and get medication that doesn’t require a prescription. Some of these chemists are open after-hours, so you can stop by after work. There are also online pharmacists that you can use with online chat features.
Know when to phone 111 or 999
There are 24/7 hotlines available through the NHS, like 111 for when you can’t get an appointment – these allow you to talk to a medical professional for advice at any hour. Some of these services can even help you book appointments at the GP if necessary or even prescribe you certain urgent medications. As for 999, this should only be used in an emergency if you cannot get to an A&E department by yourself (for injuries, it can often be worth going straight to A&E rather than trying to book a GP appointment – A&E is open 24/7, so if you get an injury at the weekend, don’t wait until Monday to go).
Consider private options if feasible
Not everyone can afford private healthcare, but it is an option worth discussing that can help you get around phone queues and strict NHS local GP schedules. This is particularly the case if you need to seek out a specialist such as an ENT – many specialists will often have much more flexible schedules. Some even offer early morning and evening appointments, while others are even open at the weekends. If you’ve got private health insurance as part of your work, take advantage of this when you can’t see an NHS GP.
This is a collaborative post.
