I need a vent,

I have been reading the posts about cooperation with GP's, challenging and all the language used and generally I try to apporach the subject openly as I do sympathise with their difficulties also.  So why am I here?  I wrote to a GP for a medical report and got the request for fee letter back (quite some time later) requesting £113 which is in the BMA guidelines so I courtiously wrote back stating that this was more than I usually pay and I would be more than happy for extracts from the records for £56.50 also as per BMA guidelines.  So what I get back is a real snotogram from the practice/ business manager (GP's wife) stating that I under value the GP's time and as I have changed my mind I can write to the patients specialist.

Now not that I am questioning that this poor hard working GP is putting money before the welfare of his patient who is likely to lose her job due to being off work for 12 months with a new M3 for a further 2 months and no sign of a return to work.  So much for the spirit of cooperation.  I have advised that she is reviewed by the OHP who then may wish to discuss this further with the GP/ Specialist but I just find the GP's attitude appalling and I know this is not every GP but I wish I had a tenner for every time I had come across this or something similar in the last 18 years and it does not seem to be getting any better.  Any you know what the annoying thing is.  When she loses her job it will be me sat in the tribunal not her GP. 

I would be interesting to get the physicians/ GP's opinions on this.  Would compiling a list of issues we regularly come across and forward them to the BMA make any difference?  Something needs to be done to jump start the sooperation between us all.  Goodness knows I have tried.

Ah well, who said it would be easy.

Frank