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Registering for Health CarePrimary health care is the name given to all the services you go to first when you have a health problem. They include doctors, practice/community nurses, health visitors, pharmacists, dentists and ophthalmic opticians.
These are the services you need to register with if you want treatment.
- GPs (General Practitioners or family doctors)
- Dentists
To register with a GP, just go to the surgery of your choice and ask to register. You may choose whether you prefer a man or a woman as your GP. If possible, take your medical card with you and details of your last GP. (If you have lost your medical card, contact your local health authority for a new one. They are listed in the telephone directory).
You can register with a GP as a temporary patient if you're staying somewhere for up to three months (for example as a student). If you stay for longer than three months, the GP may take you as a permanent patient.
Lists of GPs are available from your local health authority, in public libraries, citizens' advice bureaux or community health councils (listed in the telephone directory). All GP practices produce a leaflet about their services.
How can the doctor help you?
He/she can give you advice: examine you; give you a prescription for some medication if you need it; or refer you to another specialist or health worker.Prescriptions are free if you are in full-time education or if you are on benefits.
To register with a dentist, go to a dentist's surgery and ask to register. You may need to try more than one dentist if their register of patients is full.
Lists of dentists are listed in yellow pages.
To see the dentist, you must make an appointment with the surgery's reception.
How can the dentist help you?
He/she can give you advice: examine you; give you a prescription for some medication if you need it; carry out dental work; or refer you to another specialist if necessary.Dental work is free if you are in full-time education or if you are on benefits. If you have to pay for treatment then you can consider taking out medical insurance to cover the cost. Ask for details at the dentist's reception.
If you want an eye test, you need to make an appointment with an ophthalmic optician.
How can the optician help you?
An ophthalmic optician can give you advice about your eyes: test your eyesight; and give you a prescription for some glasses/ contact lenses if you need them.Eye tests are usually free if you are in full-time education or if you are on benefits. You may also get some help towards the cost of the glasses.
Occasionally, the doctor or dentist may refer you to another service. See if you know who does what.
1. An ophthalmologist deals with
2. A cardiologist deals with
3. An orthodontist deals with
4. A neurologist deals with
5. A chiropodist deals with
6. A chiropractor deals with
7. A paediatrician deals with
8. A radiographer deals with
The Family Doctor Service
http://www.rcgp.org.uk/wwyd/rcgi0001.htm
Information for patients
http://www.rcgp.org.uk/wwyd/index.htm
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