Why Is It So Hard to See the Same Doctor?

Why Is It So Hard to See the Same Doctor?

It is a common frustration: you find a doctor you actually like, but trying to see them a second time feels like winning the lottery. While the system can feel broken, understanding the “why” behind the scheduling chaos can help you navigate it more effectively.

Here is a deeper look at why GP continuity is a challenge and how you can hack the system to get the care you deserve.

So. Why Is It So Hard to See the Same Doctor Twice?

The days of the “village doctor” who knew every family on the block are largely over. Modern primary care has shifted toward a corporate-scale model, which brings several logistical hurdles:

1. The Rise of the “Super-Surgery”

Most modern GP practices are large hubs featuring 7–10 doctors. While this provides more services, it dilutes the personal connection. With a larger pool of clinicians, the chances of being randomly assigned to the same person twice are statistically low unless you specifically request it.

2. Complex Working Patterns

The “full-time” GP is becoming a rarity. Most doctors balance various roles:

• Admin & Leadership: GPs often spend one day a week on paperwork, referrals, or managing the practice.

• Medical Education: Many senior GPs spend time teaching medical students or supervising junior doctors.

• Part-time Schedules: To avoid burnout, many GPs work 2–3 days per week. If your follow-up need falls on a Wednesday and your doctor only works Mondays and Tuesdays, you’re out of luck.

3. The Locum Factor

Surgeries often rely on locums (temporary, freelance doctors) to cover maternity leave or sickness. If you saw a locum, they might be working at a completely different clinic across town by the time you need a follow-up.

4. The “Best Doctor” Bottleneck

It is a simple case of supply and demand. The most empathetic, thorough, and popular doctors naturally have the longest waiting lists. If you want the “best” person in the building, you might have to wait three weeks instead of three days.

The “8 AM Scramble” and Administrative Hurdles

Poor administrative systems are often the biggest barrier. Many practices operate on a “one-day-at-a-time” booking model. This forced “8 AM scramble” where 100 people call at once makes it nearly impossible to book a planned follow-up. In these systems, you are often given the first available slot with anyone, rather than a scheduled slot with your doctor.

4 Top Tips to Ensure Continuity of Care

While the system is difficult, you can take control of your patient journey with these strategies:

• Book While in the Room: Don’t wait until you get to the front desk. While you are still in the consultation, ask the GP: “I’d like to see you for the follow-up; can you send a note to the receptionist now to authorise a booking for two weeks’ time?”

• Prioritise Quality Over Speed: If your issue isn’t an emergency, tell the receptionist: “I am happy to wait an extra week if it means I can see Dr. Smith again.” Continuity of care is proven to lead to better health outcomes.

• Leverage Patient Apps: Use apps like the NHS App or your surgery’s specific portal. These often allow you to see a list of available doctors and choose your preferred name rather than being assigned one over the phone.

• Value the “Second Opinion”: If you must see someone new, don’t panic. A fresh set of eyes can sometimes spot something a previous doctor missed. As long as the first GP took detailed notes, the second doctor can pick up right where they left off.

Summary Table: Continuity vs. Speed

What Can You Do ?

It’s a smart move to put this request in writing. Formalizing your preference for a “Usual GP” (the official term often used in clinical systems) makes it much harder for the administrative team to ignore, as it must be noted in your electronic patient record.

Here is a professional template you can adapt.

Letter to GP Practice Manager: Request for Preferred Doctor

Subject: Formal Request for Preferred GP – Continuity of Care – [Your Name] – [Your DOB]

To the Practice Manager,

I am writing to formally request that [Dr. Name] be recorded as my “Preferred GP” for all future non-urgent appointments at [Name of Surgery].

While I understand the current pressures on primary care and the logistical challenges of scheduling, I am prioritising continuity of care for my ongoing health needs. Research consistently shows that seeing the same clinician leads to better health outcomes, and I believe staying with one doctor who understands my medical history is the most effective way to manage my care.

I would like the following preferences noted on my file:

• Non-Urgent Care: I am happy to wait longer for a routine appointment if it means I can see [Dr. Name].

• Follow-ups: Where a follow-up is required, I request that the administrative team assists in booking this with [Dr. Name] specifically, rather than the first available clinician.

• Administrative Note: Please ensure my electronic record (EMIS/SystmOne) is updated to reflect this preference so that receptionists are aware when I call.

I appreciate that in emergencies or for acute, same-day issues, I may need to see whoever is available. However, for the management of my long-term health, I would value your support in facilitating this continuity.

Thank you for your assistance and for the hard work of the entire surgery team.

Yours sincerely,

[Your Name] [Your Phone Number] [Your NHS Number – Optional but helpful]

Top Tips for Sending This Email

• Email is Best: It creates a digital paper trail that you can reference later if you’re told “we don’t do that.”

• The “Usual GP” Field: Most GP software has a specific box labeled “Usual GP.” Specifically asking them to “update the Usual GP field” uses the language they understand.

• Check the App: Once they’ve confirmed the change, log into the NHS App. Your “Registered/Preferred GP” name should eventually update there as well.