"Lack of respect at rheumatology clinic"

I would like to provide feedback in relation to the experience received at a hospital appointment today.

My mum has suspected gout / pseudo gout. Blood tests are required to confirm this. Between appointments my mum had a flare and therefore the blood test taken is likely to be inconclusive, same as last appointment. As the flare up was not active on the day of the appointment, it could not be aspirated either.

After waiting 45 minutes to be seen, the doctor was very abrupt & dismissive when my mum had questions and told us that the clinic was very busy and essentially rushed us out the door. 

We were in/out within 15 mins and it was probably a complete waste of time. My mum has a cognitive impairment and if she has forgotten something from last appointment, she should be afforded some courtesy and respect and be given time to ask questions. It's doctors with that sort of bedside manner that puts patients off seeking help, as you are made to feel like an inconvenience.

As part of my feedback, I would like to suggest that the clinic proactively contacts patients seeking a diagnosis for presumed gout / pseudo gout and informs them that if they have had a recent flare up or if they are not currently inflamed then there is no point attending an appointment as the blood test will be inconclusive & they can't aspirate. Or, they should aspirate when the opportunity arises, rather than delaying, knowing full well that the circumstances required to get a diagnosis don't transpire that often and that in meantime patients are in pain.

This would save everyone's time, free up appointment spaces and perhaps lead to fewer instances where doctors treat you with contempt.