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Whenever you have reason to see a gynaecologist or any other doctor, my bet is that you don't just walk in to see just any. You most likely go through a filtering process, with a check-list to enable you decide on the most preferable healthcare provider to see. Once your selection is done, what you might never realise is that healthcare providers also have their own check-list about who they prefer to see, and who they would rather not.
It's called cherry-picking in women's health. Simple principle. If you are picking cherries, you go for the juiciest and most easy to reach. Your interest is not to climb higher up the cherry tree trying to reach for other ripe ones. That expends too much effort and energy. I am sure you get the drift in relation to your health. Your gynaecologist may not want to see you for many reasons, the fact that you are paying for it is the least of their worries.
The healthier you are, the more preferential treatment you get. Your consultation is easier, takes less time, and the demand on resources is less. You join the list of preferred patients. You may actually have noticed this in doctors' waiting rooms. How many smiley faces do you see in the queue, all looking like they are paying a social rather than a consultation visit to the doctor? You may think it's all by chance, but some behind-the-scenes efforts are usually at play.
You will get filtered out if you are considered too much of an effort. You might be unlucky to have multiple health problems that all require some attention. Your consultation time thus goes beyond reasonable limits. It takes too long to complete a physical examination, in addition to getting a multitude of tests done. It doesn't all end there, you end up needing complex interventions and follow-up, which may not all be too smooth. It all becomes too much for your preferred healthcare provider, they would rather you get seen elsewhere.
Other factors may also get you filtered out. It doesn't help to be disrespectful to your healthcare providers, observe common courtesy. Get to your appointments in good time, cancel bookings you are unable to attend well in advance. And pay your bills promptly.
Physicians have the right not to see you, unless it's an emergency. It may sound unfair and discriminative, but it happens more often than you think. If filtered out, find out why. You are at least owed an explanation and a referral. Aim to keep yourself on the wanted list of your preferred doctors. Keep in good health, watch your weight, attend all your screening tests, get new symptoms checked promptly and watch your etiquette. Don't worry if your preferred doctor will not see you, the other one next door may turn out to be your best bet.
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