Hey guys,
I'm going to see my GP later this week for what feels like the umpteenth time, yet this time I know I'm going to get referred to a dermatologist for accutane. I've always turned down the option of the drug in the past (despite the Doc's recommendations), but my skin has got so bad lately I feel it's the only option I have left.
I'll be doing it on the NHS, however on average how long did you guys have to wait before you get your derm appointment from your GP's referral? I know it varies widely throughout the country (I'm in the North West), but I'm just curious to see how long waiting lists tend to be.
Thanks!
Hi there!
I'm in the South East. It took me more than 3 months from being referred by my GP to getting my very first appointment with a derm.
Looking at other people's experiences, I think I was quite unlucky, some people can get an appointment within 3 weeks so just cross your fingers!
i went to my gp on the 11 of june i've got my first appoiment with a dermatologist on the 29 august can't wait.
my skin is not bad on my face because i was on the regiem for a year but i still break out i get spots of my chest and back
got to wait for 9 weeks now but when you had your first appoiment you get one very month so that's not to bad.
Cheers for the replies, guys - I think it's safe to say that it really does depend on where you live! I'll report back when I go later on this week, but I would guess I'm looking at around 2-3 months for a referral. Having said that, worryingly, according to the NHS website the average waiting list for a dermatology appointment at our hospital is 16 weeks...
I love the NHS so much, but the waiting lists are a pain.
I had my derm appointment within 35 days of seeing my GP. & I was given tane by my derm on the spot.
I'm from the north east.
I was also given the waiting times for 3 hospitals in my local area so I could choose accordingly ... I chose the one with the least wait time obviously hahaha. & my GP printed out the referral appointment slip for the hospital, which was helpful as it had my NHS number on it & a reference number for the derm appointment should I need to amend it xxx
I had my derm appointment within 35 days of seeing my GP. & I was given tane by my derm on the spot.
I'm from the north east.
I was also given the waiting times for 3 hospitals in my local area so I could choose accordingly ... I chose the one with the least wait time obviously hahaha. & my GP printed out the referral appointment slip for the hospital, which was helpful as it had my NHS number on it & a reference number for the derm appointment should I need to amend it xxx
That sounds fantastic - I love the fact that the last government brought in the NHS Choice system! There's a few in my area, so hopefully they'll be a difference in waiting times between them.
I finally have my GP appointment on Friday morning, so I'll report back then on how it goes. If I can get an appointment any time before September, I'll be happy!
When I went online to book my appointment I had the choice of four local hospitals. 3/4 hospitals were a longer waiting time but the one I chose only had a 14 day wait, so hopefully you can find one a bit quicker than you thought.
I had my appointment yesterday and was prescribed there and then. Had my blood test done and got a 2 month supply.
Took my first pill this evening after dinner
I've finally managed to get my NHS appointment through and, while it's not brilliant, it's certainly not as bad as others have experienced. I saw my GP on July 5th, received my referral letter on July 13th and I now have my dermatology appointment for August 19th.
I'll be honest, I'm a little worried as my skin seems to be getting a lot worse at the moment, but I guess it's better to wait a month rather than lose a ridiculous sum of money on going private.
I love the NHS, I really do, but waiting lists are a pain!