(edit title) Getting a doctor's appointment Is there a secret I don't know of? Options

[p.p.]

Hi,

Does anyone have any advice of how to get a doctor's appointment?

I tried calling the number on the website of the vårdcentralen I'm registered to, but just got an automated message saying no one was available and to try later. I've tried many times over 2 days – same thing always.

Then I went to the vårdcentralen to try and book an appointment in person, but was told I couldn't do that for some unexplained reason and that I would have to call instead. I told them about my problems in getting through, they gave me another number to call, with shed loads of automated options. I understood the first two, but not the rest, as I've only been here 3 months and my Swedish is still basic.

So I went back to the receptionist, all friendly and apologetic, explained that I couldn't understand the automated messages and asked if he could help me to book an appointment (this was in my broken Swedish, so it must have been clear I was a bit stuck). After staring at me like I'd just asked him to turn water into wine, he said he would have to speak to the nurse and she would ring me. But she hasn't.

Is there some easier way than this that I don't know of?

Thanks for the help..

[sometimesinsweden]

Its gone terrible in Gothenburg the past few years - like the UK was 12/15 years ago. Worrying times ahead for Swedish society as this move backwards seems to be across the board with all the cuts going on. And you know if social services are worse than the UK, then there's a real problem. The things Sweden was renown for just aren't working anymore, well...certainly not in the cities.

Perhaps the likes of Kamprad and Rausing should have paid their taxes.

[Willy]

If you're not happy with your current vårdcentral, just find another one.

[Shibumi]

Where do you live?

[p.p.]

Yeah, that's maybe a good idea in the longer term, but I need to see a doctor now - or at least soon. If it's this hard to get an appointment, presumably changing vårdcentral probably isn't going to be that quick or easy either.

Mostly I just wondered if there was a quicker way to by-pass the bureaucracy and indifference that I don't know about.

[p.p.]

I live in Norrköping.

[Shibumi]

I don't know about Norrköping, but in Stockholm we have Cityakuten which is a clinic that takes walk-ins. You might have to wait 1-2 hours, but they take folks without an appointment. Perhaps Norrköping has something similar?

If not, try going to a different vårdcentral and explain your situation. It is my understanding that whatever vårdcentral you register with gets some taxpayer money for each person registered there. In Stockholm, there is some competition from the different vårdcentraler to get you to register with them when you move into an area. Perhaps you could use the promise/threat to register with a different vårdcentral to your advantage.

Alternatively, if you don't have other vårdcentral choices, you could go to the one where you are registered and stand at the counter until you see a doctor or get a firm appointment. Swedes don't like confrontations, so remain calm but stand your ground.

That's what I would do.

[sometimesinsweden]

Swedes don't like confrontations...

Fuck me, you aint met my ex-wife.

[Shibumi]

[John.Smith]

Which vårdcentral are you looking to make an appointment in? If you give me the number I can call, take note of the navigation options and PM you which options (numbers) to choose to make an appointment.

//J:S:

[Flutterbye]

I thought the NHS was bad until I read the OP's post, are you not registered to a named GP like we are here in the UK?
I can always get to see a doctor at short notice if I need to, might not be my own doctor but any doctor is better than none.
I find the best way to deal with recepionists is to be very nice and polite but firm, let them know you are not taking no for an answer.
My attitude now is I have paid National Insurance all my life and am fully paid up so it is my right to see a doctor.

[Migga]

Hi,Does anyone have any advice of how to get a doctor's appointment?I tried calling the number on the website of the vårdcentralen I'm registered to, but just got an a ... (show full quote)

Hi,

Does anyone have any advice of how to get a doctor's appointment?

I tried calling the number on the website of the vårdcentralen I'm registered to, but just got an automated message saying no one was available and to try later. I've tried many times over 2 days – same thing always.

Then I went to the vårdcentralen to try and book an appointment in person, but was told I couldn't do that for some unexplained reason and that I would have to call instead. I told them about my problems in getting through, they gave me another number to call, with shed loads of automated options. I understood the first two, but not the rest, as I've only been here 3 months and my Swedish is still basic.

So I went back to the receptionist, all friendly and apologetic, explained that I couldn't understand the automated messages and asked if he could help me to book an appointment (this was in my broken Swedish, so it must have been clear I was a bit stuck). After staring at me like I'd just asked him to turn water into wine, he said he would have to speak to the nurse and she would ring me. But she hasn't.

Is there some easier way than this that I don't know of?

Thanks for the help. ... (hide full quote)

So you rang the wrong number for two days and then decided to visit? Once there you were informed of the right number but since you don`t know the language good enough you couldn`t make an appointment? When you asked for help you were told that a nurse would call you? Is this correct? Seems like there is some form of miscommunication.

The easier way of doing this would be to call the right number to one of the carecenters in Norrköping;
http://www.lio.se/Narsjukvard/Hitta-via-ko...kopings-kommun/

Then it would be easier if you knew the language so you yourself could make the appointment. So with the knowledge of the language and what number to call it would be much easier then what you have described.

[sometimesinsweden]

I thought the NHS was bad until I read the OP's post, are you not registered to a named GP like we are here in the UK?I can always get to see a doctor at short notice if I ... (show full quote)

I thought the NHS was bad until I read the OP's post, are you not registered to a named GP like we are here in the UK?
I can always get to see a doctor at short notice if I need to, might not be my own doctor but any doctor is better than none.
I find the best way to deal with recepionists is to be very nice and polite but firm, let them know you are not taking no for an answer.
My attitude now is I have paid National Insurance all my life and am fully paid up so it is my right to see a doctor.

... (hide full quote)

I think it's a lot worse than the UK now (and have kids in both countries so use both) - when I first came to Sweden in 99, Sweden was streets ahead but now.... its gone the other way.

Vast investment in the NHS with relative underinvestment in Sweden, plus Sweden not coping as well with the 25% pop increase in urban areas at the same time.

We've changed Vardcentral, but to be honest, not that great a difference. same old computer says no responses every time.

[Flutterbye]

I think it's a lot worse than the UK now (and have kids in both countries so use both) - when I first came to Sweden in 99, Sweden was streets ahead but now... its gone th ... (show full quote)

I think it's a lot worse than the UK now (and have kids in both countries so use both) - when I first came to Sweden in 99, Sweden was streets ahead but now... its gone the other way.

Vast investment in the NHS with relative underinvestment in Sweden, plus Sweden not coping as well with the 25% pop increase in urban areas at the same time.

We've changed Vardcentral, but to be honest, not that great a difference. same old computer says no responses every time. ... (hide full quote)

Thanks for your answer, I am really shocked, I thought Sweden had one of the best health care systems in the world.
Luckily population increase is not too much of a problem where I live (Kernow, West Country) I expect you know what an unfriendly lot we are here....especially to those "emmets" from across the border in England. LOL!!!!!

 

 

[sometimesinsweden]

Thanks for your answer, I am really shocked, I thought Sweden had one of the best health care systems in the world.Luckily population increase is not too much of a problem whe ... (show full quote)

Thanks for your answer, I am really shocked, I thought Sweden had one of the best health care systems in the world.
Luckily population increase is not too much of a problem where I live (Kernow, West Country) I expect you know what an unfriendly lot we are here...especially to those "emmets" from across the border in England. LOL!!!!!
... (hide full quote)

It probably still is (for one that doesn't charge as such), but it's been hamstrung by lack of investment, increase in bureaucracy and the burden of the obese - costs have quadrupled to treat over the past 15 years.

Add to this the municipalities cutting services to save money, a lot of staff in 'jobs and pensions for life' mentality and so on, plus the pop increase, think the level of service has dropped hugely.