Getting hold of a doctor’s appointment is not always easy. Sometimes there are long waiting lists and some surgeries implement a patient stop because they can’t cope with demand. VRT News can give you a few tips that may help.
The Flemish Patients' Platform and doctors suggests that you can find a GP or specialist near you faster by logging onto desocialekaart.be . ‘We don't have a miracle solution, but we are happy to give a few tips,‘ says director Else Tambuyzer of the Flemish Patients’ Platform, an organisation that defends patients' rights: ’desocialekaart.be (The Social Map) is a website that provides a map of healthcare providers. It is an initiative of the Flemish Government that allows you quickly to search for doctors and specialists working in your municipality.’
On the website you enter what kind of doctor you are looking for in the search box, along with your postcode, and you are given the results straight away.
Ms Tambuyzer acknowledges the limitations of the system: ‘The information is not always entirely up-to-date. We made sure that doctors could indicate at the push of a button whether they have a patient stop or not, but they don't always provide this information.’
Professor Michel Deneyer of the Doctors' Association adds: ‘We recently spoke with the Federal Public Health Ministry and they are working on a healthcare website with a separate section where doctors can indicate that they still have space for extra appointments.’ Of course, this information must also be updated regularly, otherwise you get the same as with desocialekaart.be.
Quick access and quick scan
BVAS, the largest professional association of doctors, also hopes to help solve this problem. Doctor Jos Vanhoof: ‘In my practice, I already provide a “quick access” consultation hour. Patients have a brief opportunity to raise a single acute complaint on the phone or by video call. In that way, I can help or refer many people in only an hour’s time.’
‘Specialists could do the same using a ‘quick scan’, and a video or telephone consultation. This should allow a triage. Patients can be reassured and given an appointment for a further check-up.’ The Flemish Patients’ Platform thinks these quick consultations are a good thing: ‘Especially for minor problems, they can alleviate a lot of anxiety.’
Make an appointment with the specialist via the GP
‘Even though it may not seem like it to many people, it is true that you can get an appointment with a specialist faster via your GP, possibly with a referral letter,’ says Ms Tambuyzer. In fact, specialists keep slots in their diaries for GP referrals.
Contact a patient association
Patient associations also often have good tips. A patient association is an organisation that groups patients with certain conditions. They can provide targeted advice, including information on finding a specialised doctor.
The Flemish Patients' Platform says: ‘They know which specialists can be reached and they can also help in directing you to the right specialist for your condition, so that you also get to the right doctor straight away and don't waste time.’
A list of patient associations can be found here.
Venture further afield
The shortage of GPs and specialists and hospitals varies from area to area and is not the same everywhere. ‘That is why it is interesting to look around. Admittedly, it is not an option for everyone. There may be a cost involved, and it is difficult if you are not mobile. Moving house to get a GP is a bridge too far,’ says Else Tambuyzer.
Ask around among family and friends
A final tip is to ask around among friends and family. Many people easily find a specialist by explaining their problem to friends and family and sounding out whether they know a specialist. Often people are easily able to find someone in this way at short notice. It’s always an option to ask about other people's experiences with doctors.