GPs Profit From Patient Calls: Noodle For Cheap Calls
FIRST it was Richard and Judy, then Blue Peter and now we find that even the most trusted member of society, the family doctor, has been making money out of our phone calls.
According to the Mail, doctors are being accused of switching local surgeries to more expensive 0844 phone numbers in an attempt to boost their profits. The switch means that millions of patients face paying at least 40 per cent more to book an appointment with their GP.
It is claimed that around 1,200 surgeries have switched their phone system, with a calls from a landline to a 0844 number costing 4.2p per minute, 1.2p more than the usual charges for a standard prefix number. It would, however, be worth your while to see how much it would cost using Noodle.
Vanessa Bourne, of the Patients Association, is concerned that UK patients can’t use these new numbers while abroad. Says she: “I think it’s really dangerous. There will be people facing language difficulties and they can’t get help from their GP when they desperately need it. It is extraordinary that these practices are able to make these contracts when they penalise the sick and vulnerable.”
Ofcom is also reported to be rather miffed at the switch, claiming that it is “not appropriate” for public bodies to use 0844 numbers.
Why not use a mobile number instead, and contacted our GP on the golf course?
Posted: 25th, July 2007 | In: Money Comments (4) | Follow the Comments on our RSS feed: RSS 2.0 | TrackBack | Permalink
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August 5th, 2007 at 11:41 am
My doctors has an 0844 number, an the system works fine. The reason my doctors moved to this type of number was to help pay for a new telephone system. They tell me the money they receive pays for around half the cost of the system, so they hardly profit from the switch.
The real question is, why do the government not cover the cost of the phone system ?
July 26th, 2007 at 6:14 pm
This is immoral and unethical. It is a degradation of the medical profession and Hypocrates must be spinning in his grave. The grasping greedy extorting image that doctors are now creating is going to damage the profession for many years to come. I they want to use a non-geographic number then they should at least make their normal geographic number available to those patients who ask for it. Doctors should start putting their patients welfare foirst instead of robbing them through their phone calls. It is a disgrace.
July 25th, 2007 at 10:55 am
For training and quality purposes all calls will be recorded.
To be put through to a condescending, abrupt receptionist - please press 1.
To find out the results of your smear test - please press 2.
To check to see if we have your prescription or have lost it - please press 3.
To find out why your doctor can no longer make home visits - please press 4.
For any other enquiry, or if you would like to be placed on hold for 20 minutes in complete silence - please press 5.
We are sorry to keep you waiting. Your call is important to us …….
July 25th, 2007 at 9:47 am
On the course I use mobiles have to be switched off.
Now, do you think thats a ruse, Anorak? I do.
The 19th hole has never heard a melodic or otherwise ringtone either……