How do I encourage my GP to organise an IVP?

Currently living in the UK (australian origin) and have been quite ill as of recently, after multiple gp visits, an admission overnight to emergency and a chinese iridologist, have been diagnosed with ?kidney stones. My gp is an elderley gentleman loves to chat but a little hard to communicate with. In the past I have required a referral but tend to refer to "collegues" who I have to pay upfront costs for and at present my current budget just doesnt allow.

I really require an IVP to be organised as I know I am unwell. Would you have some guidance as to how I can approach this today? I will be organising a new gp, but even this takes an extended period of time in the UK. Your suggestions would be well appreciated.

Hi Celeste, Firstly, is there more than one GP in the practice that you attend? If so, I would ask to see one of the alternative GP's. If not, then you do not need to encourage the GP to send you for an IVP, you have the right to DEMAND that he refers you to a local NHS Hospital for the test. You can also call or visit a NHS Direct service in your area for help and advice on getting a IVP done. Most GP Practices try to hold out on referring patients to a hospital because of the costs incurred to them, and the fact that he has referred you to "Colleagues" for private consultations is diabolical. I wish you well, and hope you have good luck in demanding what is right for you.

Details for NHS Direct:

Tel: 0845 4647 (24 hours)
www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk

NHS Direct is a 24 hour nurse led telephone advice and information service and is part of the National Health Service. By calling NHS Direct you and your family have round the clock access to information and advice about health, illness and health services.

In particular if you feel that there is something wrong with you or someone you are calling about a NHS Direct nurse will be able to reassure you and:

Tell you whether the symptoms are ones which can be managed safely at home and advise you on what to do.

Advise you if you do need to seek further professional help and direct you to the right service at the right time, for instance whether you need to contact your doctor or go to your local hospital's accident & emergency department.

NHS Direct is staffed by experienced nurses who are specially trained to give advice over the phone. They will ask you a series of questions which will help them decide how serious your problem is.

NHS Direct works alongside existing health services. If you want to contact your doctor directly you can still do so. However if you are unsure NHS Direct can advise you on what to do.

Call are charged at local rate. In the interest of patient safety all calls are recorded.

Try this site,
http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm...
They just might help you, sorry to hear of your problem's, good luck.