Editorial: GP visit can be better

Going to the doctor is never (usually) fun.

For starters, you're often going there because there's something wrong with you or your children.

You're either not feeling 100 per cent or you're sleep deprived because you've been up all night with your sick child.

The only exception of a happy doctor's visit - that I can think of - is when you're confirming a planned pregnancy.

But basically, your doctor is usually listening to you complain about something.

For that very reason, you have to make the experience as best you can.

That's the reason I switched GPs about four years ago.

Don't get me wrong, my previous GP was fantastic and I really respected him. I just didn't like the clinic all that much.

It was cold, run-down and was always packed with - surprise surprise - sick people. Of course, you can't help but encounter sick people at a doctor's surgery but this is made worse when the appointments consistently run late. I can't remember a time when I was seen immediately, having to frequently endure waits of 30-60 minutes long. That's when sitting next to snotty and sneezing clientele starts to get a bit much.

For obvious reasons I'm not naming this doctor's surgery as my experience is no doubt different to other people's. I couldn't be more pleased with my new doctor and surgery - Dr Cate Mills at Ranolf Medical Centre.

In Saturday's Rotorua Daily Post we revealed the costs of going to the doctor in Rotorua varies greatly after the first five years, which are free.

Fees for 6-year-olds range from $5 to $24 while once you turn 18 fees can range from $10 to $36.

The most expensive doctors' surgery for adults is Surgery 10 which charges $36. The cheapest are Korowai Aroha and Ngati Pikiao Health Centre which each charge $10.

Ranolf Medical Centre is the second most expensive at $35 for adults and is a lot more expensive than my previous surgery. But I'm not about to switch again.

You get what you pay for in this world and for a snappy, pleasant experience when you're feeling rotten, I think it's worth it.