Anxious to phone up the doctors

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My sinus problems are getting worse and I really need to see a doctor. I haven't been to the doctors surgery for ages, but I was told that when you phone up to make an appointment now you have to tell the receptionist your reason for seeing a doctor before they can book you in.

It's a terrible policy but it's probably been brought in because they have a lot of bookings each day and now they can dismiss anyone who they think aren't urgent enough to see their doctors. Also they don't book appointments in advance any more - you have to phone up at precisely 8am on the day with a valid reason to see your doctor. They won't even book you in if you go into the reception yourself to make an appointment, it all has to be on the phone at precisely 8am.

Anyway, this has deterred me from booking an appointment because I have a feeling that when they ask me the reason for seeing my doctor they might think that sinus trouble is not a valid reason. So I'm worrying in case I will be rejected, even though my reason is becoming rather urgent. Believe me, my sinus problems are getting more frequent (daily now), and it involves burning in the nasal passages and throat, lots of mucus, trouble breathing through my nose, headaches and drowsiness.

Sinus trouble is a valid reason.

Yeah a sinus infection left untreated can spread (not to freak you out it's rather rare) to the brain. So that alone is a valid reason to see a doctor to get some antibiotics. Feel better.

Make sure you tell them up front that it’s been going on for some time and getting worse, not better.

I’ve been dealing with a sinus and throat infection for about a month. I keep putting off booking an appointment in hopes it will improve. If I want to get into the same day clinic, like you I have to call in at the start of business.

Really, Joe. They don’t think a sinus infection is frivolous.

Does your insurance let you schedule appointment online?


Some insurances do


You could call on off hours and leave a message

It's a valid thing, no doubt.

I hate talking on the phone and I (generally) hate doctors.

I'm sorry you had to go through chemo.

Anyway, it is actually a cold I'm suffering with. At first I thought it was just my sinuses flaring up again because I didn't have the other main symptoms of a cold like a sore throat or fever, but as the day wore on it didn't go away. Usually when I get a flare-up it temporarily goes away when I take a sinus pill or use nasal spray, but when I didn't feel relief that was when I knew it was a virus, plus I started feeling aches in my hands, arms and legs, and I had a feverish headache.
I do hate getting colds.