My ophthalmologist ‘found’ blocked vein/s behind one of my eyes and told me to discuss my blood pressure with my MT. Because MT is happy with BP (has been steady for years) and medication he wants me to see a cardiologist. I could not get a RDV until the end of January (10 week wait) both MT and Optho said not to worry the situation is not urgent…
Good luck Caz
1 Like
I guess that this is a problem that will be more and more frequently encountered, especially if you live out in the sticks. I had my GP find a cardiologist for me when she was concerned that her ageing ECG equipment might not be up to scratch as there was an anomaly on my trace that she couldn’t reconcile. Even with her calling up several cardiologists in the area, I still had to go to Clermont for my visit, which was a 50 Km drive from home, but otherwise it was no appointment at all, or else the ER. Still took 2 months to get an appointment with her help.
When I say ageing equipment, we’re talking crocodile clips and plastic suction cups…
not sure about the “out in the sticks” comment
Our Doc phoned directly and spoke with first the Receptionist (?) then the Specialist himself… and made the appointment on the spot with us sitting there and me noting it in my diary for the following week.
On another occasion, similar procedure only this time the Specialist agreed to wait until we arrived (even though it was already 4.30pm) … and we legged it out of the surgery and drove the 50km… so thankful to get seen so promptly.
1 Like
Oh, <deity> I remember those, the usually weren’t capable of printing out more than one trace so for a full 12 lead you had to do the three limb leads, the three augmented limb leads and then the 6 chest leads individually and the suction cups always filled with goo. Yuk!!
Unfortunately such equipment is not really fit for purpose in a modern general practice, I’m a bit worried that it is still in use frankly.
1 Like
Our first MT always made our RDV’s, we thought this was the norm in France. When he retired we came down to earth with a bump! 
We were spoilt 
My confidence over the phone certainly grew!
Ha ha… he only made the RDV’s 'cos it was life threatening/very important. He is an absolute treasure.
For general stuff, we make our own RDV’s… 
1 Like
I have had up to a year wait for specialist RDVs. Most weren’t urgent so wasn’t too bothered. But the one that I did need I ended up travelling further to get a quick RDV.
And for my cardiologist he was fully booked for months at the hospital but when I asked if I could be seen privé I got an appointment a few weeks later. That cost me an extra 25€, but well worth it. phone the secretary and ask.
Had an appointment with a cardio specialist at Confolens hospital yesterday.
Made the appointment via their website and Doctorlib towards the end of October.
I realise that its a long way from you, but might be an option if urgent.
A link to their appointment system is here:
For some reason, the link does not work with Chrome, so I used Firefox.
1 Like
Make an appointment with the local cardio vet. Absolute state of the art equipment, super knowledgeable and will appreciate if you dont bite and hold still. All for€128. I’m blown away. £600 in UK…Just, you know, when all else fails…
2 Likes
Hello again,
Adding on to my original question…no acronyms either!!
Looked at doctorlib/moulins…bit concerned at the reviews listed. How does one find feedback on specialists?
Husband is under team at Vichy CH., it’s that team I am unable to book with for me, its at least a year as a new patient.
Montluçon & Clermont-Ferrand are the same car travel distance as Vichy from home, any suggestions, thank you
You might see if you can get an appointment here:
Centre Cardiovasculaire Montalembert SCM, 2 Rue Flameng, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand
It is right next to the CHU Gabriel Montpied.
Best is to ask around from friends and neighbours, also ask your GP for her recommendation. Otherwise Internet research…
Les avis sur Internet peuvent être laissés sur différents types de supports :
- les plateformes d’avis : yelp.fr ou encore les sites spécialisés comme notetondoc.com, quimesoigne.com…;
- les moteurs de recherche comme Google ;
- les réseaux sociaux : Facebook, Viadeo ;
- les forums : https://forum.quechoisir.org, http://forum.doctissimo.fr.
… and as I think someone up the thread suggested… ask about a private appointment - at least it may provide peace of mind in the meantime Do you have a mutuelle? May be worth chatting to @fabien
1 Like
Hi Caz
We live in the Gard and have the same problem. We spoke with the cardiologist about this - he is German or perhaps Austrian. He said the shortage of cardiologists and other specialisms is due to a decision taken in france on medical education 20 years ago which has been disastrous. It’s the same picture throughout France - perhaps worse in the rural areas so I dont think there is much you can do, sorry
I have had to wait 5 months for a rdv with gastroenterologist too.
It was the “numerus clausus” established in late 70’s that set limits on the medical student numbers and didn’t relate to what was needed. That plus the system of having a common first year for all type of medical professionals had a big effect on the number of professionals coming through the system.
Both have been removed by the current government and 2020 is the last year they will be in effect. From next year there will be more routes to become a doctor, hopefully diversifying the intake too. So in 7-10 years things should be better and you should be able to get a rdv!
Hope everyone had a good Christmas despite our rules.
Thank you all for your support & replies, now to search how to close this thread!