Should I go back to a&e

Not true in the slightest.

They're expensive and a high radiation dose so the most appropriate thing to do might be to do something else first, including specialist opinion. But GPs can request CTs if they want.

They can in some parts of the country but not everywhere, according to my GP. I had to be referred to a hospital consultant in order to have a CT.

Reply 21

Anonymous #1

OP

Original post by Anonymous

They can in some parts of the country but not everywhere, according to my GP. I had to be referred to a hospital consultant in order to have a CT.

I will call them tomorrow and see what they suggest :smile:

thank you

Reply 22

maxymoo

8

As a GP I can assure you where I practice we can not request CT’s

Reply 23

nexttime

22

Original post by maxymoo

As a GP I can assure you where I practice we can not request CT’s

Fair enough. So an FY1 can request a CT at their leisure, but an experienced GP can't. Seems both very patronising and very wasteful in terms of unnecessary referrals!

Reply 24

maxymoo

8

Original post by nexttime

Fair enough. So an FY1 can request a CT at their leisure, but an experienced GP can't. Seems both very patronising and very wasteful in terms of unnecessary referrals!

It is frustrating! As the equivalent of on fy1 yes I could order CT’s and that was 20 yrs ago! However I never did if my own back but would often request them on behalf of the consultant after a ward round or another senior member of staff. You always have to put the consultant name on the form and ultimately it’s on them.
CT’s are a lot of radiation and I think the rules are in place to minimise over use which I understand. If it is a barn door case I often will dw consultant at hospital and they may then authorise a ct prior to seeing the patient.

Reply 25

nexttime

22

Original post by maxymoo

It is frustrating! As the equivalent of on fy1 yes I could order CT’s and that was 20 yrs ago! However I never did if my own back but would often request them on behalf of the consultant after a ward round or another senior member of staff. You always have to put the consultant name on the form and ultimately it’s on them.
CT’s are a lot of radiation and I think the rules are in place to minimise over use which I understand. If it is a barn door case I often will dw consultant at hospital and they may then authorise a ct prior to seeing the patient.

I can't recall a specific case where I requested a CT off my own back as an FY1, but as an FY2 I did it a few times for obvious indications. There are some very protocol-driven indications: for example, CT head if there is new memory impairment on cognitive screening. CT TAP if weight loss and normocytic anaemia (arguably 'and/or'). Also emergency things like I'd clerked someone with ?PE but I'd consider that different.

Given that a radiologist reads every request anyway I'm just a little surprised that you'd blanket ban professionals with at least 10 years training from the tools they need. I mean, its being funded by the GP practice at the end of the day isn't it...

(edited 4 years ago)

Reply 26

Anonymous #1

OP

Original post by nexttime

Fair enough. So an FY1 can request a CT at their leisure, but an experienced GP can't. Seems both very patronising and very wasteful in terms of unnecessary referrals!

I ended up calling 111 and they advised me to go back to a&e in the next hour, I’ve just got back now they’ve gave me a moon boot and a fup appointment in fracture clinic for this Wednesday for further ct scans :smile:

Reply 27

helicopterparent

10

That is what I advised about 5 days ago..... I actually do know what I'm taking about!! Anyway... Hope you are ok