Do you find getting GP consent puts some clients off

[Miguel P]

Hi all

I recently done some advertising which covered elderly care homes. I have had a few telephone enquiries, of which so far 2 have wanted to book, one of which has had a stroke and the other is on medication for HBP.

I have reguested that they check with GP before going ahead with treatment. I said I could write to GP but both say they will speak to GP and get back to me.

Now, I could wait and see if they do and if they don't give them a call. I find a lot of people think it a waste of time approaching GP, and some will not even give their written consent.

What I have found in the past is clients tend not to get back following this request.

What is one to do?? Any suggestions would be most appreciated.

Thanks

Holistic1

 

[cruiskEquic]

Hi ya Holistic1

The clients could give you their own written disclaimer. Going to the GP isn't a legal requirement. I would suggest that you or the client informs the GP that a treatment is in progress. You have to do what you think is ethical and professional. We are increasingly living in a nanny state. It's up to the client what they wish to do and it is up to the practitioner within their skills and experience what they wish to do. We still live within English/British Common Law, thank goodness!!!

Best Wishes

Reiki Pixie

 

[iambettyboop]

I frequently write to GP's, but could could on one hand the number of replies I receive (even when I enclose SSAE's!!). As long as you outline to the client your reservations if they present with a relative contraindication, then the ball is firmly in their court, and they can see their GP if they choose to. Many don't. I do not, however, treat people that I am in the least bit concerned about - recent thrombosis, etc - these people are told to speak to their GP before coming back for treatment.

 

[jeebs]

It may not be a legal requirement but your professional codes of conduct should have the requirements in it, so perhaps you aught to check them..

 

[Ada]

Yes, my CoC has this 'recommendation' but I have GP friends who own up to actually ignoring any letters for 'permission to treat' from comp therapists - lamentable, but true.

 

[shultzie knows best]

Yes so very true. But we carry on regardless.

Although I do believe it is getting better. But it may be that most of my therapists work in Care Homes and Hospices and they have found them to be more switched on (for want of a better word).

 

[BooTdi]

at a complementary therapists meeting I attended this summer the speak was a GP - she was also a homeopath - she explained that a lot of gps saw giving consent as handing over patient care which is something they are not prepared to do.

If I have a client who has a condition who has a condition which is classed as a contraindication I explain the possible side effects and the benefits of the treatment - I also explain that they should perhaps speak to their gp but it is rare that gps give consent therefore it is their decision to go ahead or not. as long as they sign the consultation form. If someone has a condition which I am not happy to treat then I wont treat - a bit hard when clients are few and far between

 

[mashapidarsha]

GP's can only give consent to someone connected to their practice and who they have checked out (qualifications, insurance etc) It's understandable really, but this si why you don't get replies. It's not that they dissaprove, it's just that they don't know you, therefore can't recommend you.

 

[DarkMagix]

I must say that I have had no problems so far in getting gp consent. I write to Dr. stating that client would like holistic massage\reflex etc and given that they suffer from xyz or are on medication for xyz that for me as a therapist I would like to ask if they feel it is ok for them to have treatment.

Like Jabba the hut mentioned, I do enclose an SAE but more times I have to ring and tell them that I had written to them and then they will send back a note to say that it is ok with them to proceed with treatment.

Then on the other hand you get the doctors who are totally against holistic & complementary therapies and don't want to know but at the end of the day if the client feels better and sees benefits after a few treatments then that's good.

I learnt in college that if in doubt, don't treat and I don't and if the client really wants the treatment that badly then the will go to their Dr to get consent.

Also just to say that here if you visit your doctor you have to pay, which does put some people off!


Love & blessings,

Rachel

 

[flowr]

some surgeries charge up to £20 for letters for therapists, insurance companies and private health care providers, more often in the hope of putting people off

 

[Prolapsed Pat]

Why do some therapists feel they need a gp consent. There isn't any reason that you need one really. Everything should be covered in your consultation and then you take it from there.

 

[Tim S]

it is something that is really drummed into you at the training stage

it is only time and experience which make you realise that if you do a full consultation and know your stuff you dont need gp consent - ultimately I leave it up to the client if the gp wont give consent or return my letter which like others who have posted here is sent with a tick box reply and sae