Do you knock before going into GP room?

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QuickTemperature7014@reddit

The GPs in my surgery always come out and collect you so no knocking is required.

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GreenyRed@reddit

My GP makes barely comprehendable,fuzzy announcements on the tannoy.

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I live in an overwhelmingly Welsh-speaking area, so naturally most people here have a Welsh name. It's absolutely beyond me why my GP surgery thought that installing an automated tannoy system would be a good idea. Chaos. Every single time.

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V8boyo@reddit

As an aside when they centralized some police systems they had to retain most of the staff as it was based in Birmingham and nobody could pronounce any Welsh name. Tongwynlais was tongerwallis.

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iwantmuscle@reddit

And you're using American spelling 🙄

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V8boyo@reddit

Because I lived there on and off for 30 years.

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iwantmuscle@reddit

Maybe you should use UK spelling in the UK then

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V8boyo@reddit

It's a toss-up between being a US platform and a UK group. I'll mix and match - that's like a poor man's pick'n'mix.

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iwantmuscle@reddit

The nationality of the platform is irrelevant. Just spell correctly

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V8boyo@reddit

Correctly

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Adorable_Orange_195@reddit

Just to ease my curiosity, how is it pronounced….in my head I’m thinking toe-wen-las, apologies if I’ve completely butchered it in my attempt.

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V8boyo@reddit

Ton-gwinlaise long n on the ton short s on the laise so rhymes with mice

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Adorable_Orange_195@reddit

Thanks 🙏 I wasn’t quite there but I’d put a small wager it’s better than tongerwallis 😅 I’m from Scotland originally but raised/ lived in England most of my life, and still get a few things back home wrong. Would be nice if learning Scot’s, Welsh Irish and Gaelic were common place in all UK schools before having to learn French, Spanish & German which although fine languages were wasted imo as I’ve done nothing bar order beer with any of those since leaving school.

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V8boyo@reddit

Welsh isn't that easy to learn - theres several mutations that happen depending on what word comes before it. So cat is cath in Welsh but can also be gath and ngath - [Rhod Gilbert](https://youtu.be/KvcaslHqbm0?si=dLp2COk0dIk1DrRY) has a funny way of saying it

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Adorable_Orange_195@reddit

Yeah totally wouldn’t expect it to be easy, many languages are hard. I just think I’ve spent more time in wales (on holidays and hikes/ walks) than I ever have in places speaking French, German and Spanish, so just think it would be more practical for a UK native to learn one of either UK or Irelands languages in school instead.

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V8boyo@reddit

In Wales it's compulsory up to GCSE. The Welsh government have an initiative to increase Welsh speakers to a million.

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Adorable_Orange_195@reddit

Yeah, That’s so cool. Just a shame it’s not being provided all over the UK. As I said I’d love to learn some of those languages.

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silly_font@reddit

I will exclusively be calling it this now for the rest of my days. Thank you!

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Gwenfrewy@reddit

I'm an Elizabeth Jones, one of the receptionists at the GP is called Elizabeth Jones and once there was another Elizabeth Jones in the waiting room at the same time as me. Lots of fun. At university there was another Elizabeth Jones in the same halls of residence as me, so unless the letter had a middle name you couldn't tell who it was for. We just had to open it, see it wasn't for us, and scribble a "sorry for opening it, it's for you" note on it. We'd forward emails to each other too if someone had got confused.

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Did_OJ_Simpson_do_it@reddit

"Llywarch Meredydd Ioan ap Gwilym, go to room 3"

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Hellohowareyoublah@reddit

Jonedavies Llewelyndafid….. dr bones is ready

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TroublesomeFox@reddit

Oh nooooo 😬😬 how did they not see that coming? Anything with an automated voice just decimates anything that doesn't have an "English sounding" name 😭

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D3M0NArcade@reddit

I thought everyone in Wales was called Jones or Evans?

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patchworkcat12@reddit

Half a dozen people stand up when Olwen Jones is called?

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silly_font@reddit

It's like that Spiderman meme, except it's usually me, a stressed woman with a pram, and seventeen retired farmers.

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acidtrippinpanda@reddit

Mine is divided up into two surgeries that are in neighbouring areas. One just has a digital board that beeps when someone is called (though sometimes you are collected) and the other has a normal tannoy that calls your full name out. I once got mixed up as to what happens and missed my name call as I was expecting a call or to be collected

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bluepushkin@reddit

Mine just has a tiny rolling display constantly running messages about the surgery. If you aren't glued to it you'll miss the 3 second pop up of your name and the room number you need to head to. They won't repeat it and instead just move onto the next patient if you aren't with the GP in 2 minutes. Heaven forbid you need glasses and don't have them with you.

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purte@reddit

Or are blind, partially sighted or have some eye condition which is the reason you’re at the dr’s. They’ve not thought this through have they?

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teacup901@reddit

Oh....that'll be why mine soon got rid of that silly screen.

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LupercalLupercal@reddit

It has to be incomprehensible, just like their handwriting

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House_Of_Thoth@reddit

Reminds me of my dentist in the 90s!

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GrouchyAlps612@reddit

Even If I get collected I knock just to make sure. /s

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getoutmywayatonce@reddit

Wise. They might be an imposter bringing you into a trap

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springsomnia@reddit

Same here and in hospitals too - I’ve never had to knock.

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calmarkel@reddit

Yeah, same

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Mediocre_Sprinkles@reddit

My gp comes out to collect you but stands at the door and whispers your name so you have no idea you've been called.

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Danglyweed@reddit

Same in our gps. The awkward bits at the end, do you shut the door behind you when leaving or leave it open?

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Greedy-Mechanic-4932@reddit

I leave it how I left it

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Tattycakes@reddit

Compromise and pull it mostly to

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New_Pop_8911@reddit

I just ask the GP as I'm leaving. They usually say shut, I assume to stop people wandering in while they type up notes.

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Interesting-Day-2472@reddit

This happens at my surgery too .

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lostglamour@reddit

The nurses do but never the doctors in mine. Some weird power play perhaps?

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LUFC316@reddit

What? At mine they’re always writing up notes for the last person or looking up my history so they can get right to it, why do you think it would be a “power play”? That’s an exhausting way of looking at the world.

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lostglamour@reddit

Alright judgey wind your neck in its a throw away reply on Reddit the psychoanalysis in response is a bit much.

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bacon_cake@reddit

In my old surgery they had a tannoy and light system. "MRSMSMITHTOROOMFIVEPELASE"

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AvatarIII@reddit

Yeah same here, the GP walks to the waiting room to collect you when they're ready, then walks you back to their office.

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PM_ME_VEG_PICS@reddit

Yeah it has been like this at every doctors surgery I've been at. I used to go to a dentist which told you which room to go to but the dental nurse would always be stood in the doorway waiting for you. It was just because it was on two floors so meant they weren't constantly going up and down stairs.

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Eggtastico@reddit

same, as the door the surgeries are behind a keypass door. Would used to knock & enter before they installed the door though.

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BG3restart@reddit

Mine too. The surgery is like a rabbit warren. It could take days of opening the wrong doors before I found them.

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jetjitters@reddit

mine just has a dot-matrix display panel which announces your name, that lasts for a single femtosecond

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MouseEmotional813@reddit

Mine too

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Last-Deal-4251@reddit

Same here

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curious-scouse@reddit

My GP has Virtual Valerie screaming your name across the room

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Hookton@reddit

Same. Doc/nurse comes to the waiting room and calls your name then takes you in.

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Quiet_surprise79@reddit

This is the only thing I've ever experienced across 5 different GP surgeries

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CuteMaterial8497@reddit

I've never known it any other way!

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AlGunner@reddit

It used to be they would call by PA or the receptionist would tell you to go to the room. Now they always seem to come out.

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kettlejuices@reddit

Most GPs I've had over the last 10 years have had TVs/Monitors on the wall which flash up patient names and which room to go to.

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Silvagadron@reddit

Mine has a screen with an automated voice that calls out your name and room number.

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QuickTemperature7014@reddit

Me neither but I do only have experience of two practices.

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N-F-F-C@reddit

Comes up on a screen in many

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iwantmuscle@reddit

Yes I would always knock, it's a mark of respect as you're entering a private space. I would do it regardless whether it was the doctor or anywhere else

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Wild_Reading_8263@reddit

From the other side, it depends where I'm working. My usual gig I will just go and get the patient as I'm opposite the waiting room. Examination also starts there; physician gestalt kicks in and I can spot if someone is very sick or just a little bit sick, can also see mobility/gait, also I'm much better with faces than names so jogs my memory of who I'm seeing if seen them years before. If it's a name that is hard to pronounce (mine is too so empathise entirely) I do have to practice multiple times in my room before I call people. Another place I work i'm miles away from the waiting room so it's just inefficient to grab people from the waiting room. However the tannoy works. And I get to feel like Jean-Luc Picard in his ready room when people knock and I say 'come'.

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davehemm@reddit

Yes, manners.

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WrongExplanation1065@reddit

Yeh they might be busy having a wank

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Wild_Reading_8263@reddit

Only sometimes

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buy_me_lozenges@reddit

My GP comes to the waiting room, greets patients personally, ushers you into the room first, offers a seat and then closes the door. Unsure when to knock in this situation, is it still bad manners not to?

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davehemm@reddit

Very fancy, do the surgery's leather Chesterfield armchairs have doilies on the armrests and penis butlers in the toilets? In such an apparently upper class surgery, the etiquette box is already ticked as they have personally escorted you in, and one hopes proferred a nice Earl Grey tea in their best porcelain.

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buy_me_lozenges@reddit

No, it's just a normal surgery, plastic chairs, pamphlets etc. Not upper class or snobby.

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getoutmywayatonce@reddit

Some surgeries really do just have a great atmosphere to be honest. Especially when it’s practises that have got longstanding core staff, and many of the patients have been there for decades too. Really lovely

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WrongExplanation1065@reddit

Knock when you leave

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Spiritual_Loss_7287@reddit

Exactly.

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Some_Artichoke_8148@reddit

Yes I would do it just in case youre at the wrong door and a patient is in there. But that’s has far as the deference should go. They are service providers and youre the customer. Those GPs who disrespect me or dismiss concerns get a stern talking to. They are not superior beings.

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BlackLiger@reddit

I open the door slightly, then knock. This is because I'm mildly deaf so I need it open to hear the reply.

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Past-Anything9789@reddit

Yes. I always do, just in case.

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No_Whereas_5203@reddit (OP)

Thank you. I was starting to wonder if it seemed weird as I've seen patients not do it

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Past-Anything9789@reddit

I decided early on in life (19ish) that it's ALWAYS a good idea to knock if a door isn't wide open. Until they invent brain / eye bleach.

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Dutch_Slim@reddit

You can’t leave us hanging like that! What did you see…?

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Past-Anything9789@reddit

This wasn't at the doctor's, it was me walking into my brother's room in the morning to deliver a cup of tea. He had said "Can you bring me a cuppa in the morning" the previous night, so I got up and made the drinks but I was still half asleep. I knocked and shouted 'tea delivery' but as I thought he was alone and it wasn't closed I just walked in, caught him enjoying himself with his girlfriend on her knees. So very much NOT what I needed to see! Dropped the tea and ran very dramatically down stairs bemoaning my poor scarred retinas. The appropriate response of any older sister I think!

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Dutch_Slim@reddit

🤣 I appreciate the explanation as much as you didn’t appreciate the sight you beheld!

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Past-Anything9789@reddit

It was a lesson quickly learnt and never forgotten! 😫

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Sage-Freke-@reddit

🍆 🚪 👀

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honestlyVERYhonest@reddit

Mr Smith, could you please come in. “Right, I have at least four seconds before he can get to my door. I wonder if I can bash out a wank before he gets here.”

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AllThatIHaveDone@reddit

I think the biggest issue with this for me would be smoking the post-deed cigarette within 3 seconds.

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honestlyVERYhonest@reddit

I hope I live to see a 50-something year old doctor with his underpants round his ankles and still partially erect penis having a rushed cigarette out the window with porn still playing on the computer.

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getoutmywayatonce@reddit

Your honesty is inspiring. If I find any I shall let you know

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SinsOfTheAether@reddit

Would you consider 58 in the 'something' range? asking for a friend

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AlexMC69@reddit

New kink unlocked

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The_Chosen_Eggplant@reddit

Jesus lol

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ringosam@reddit

I always do but can rarely hear their reply so just open the door anyway. Pretty pointless, but just feels right.

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MinimumGarbage9354@reddit

Common courtesy for most situations.

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fussyfella@reddit

If a door is closed I always knock before entering. It does not really apply for my GPs though as they come and meet you and lead you to their room.

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Glittering_Sunrise12@reddit

I’m a nursing associate at a GPs. The patients name comes up on a screen in the waiting area when I’m ready to see them. I’d say 95% of people knock my door before they come in if my door is shut.

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Princes_Slayer@reddit

I always knock before entering anyone’s office, even if the door is open. Think it was ingrained into my brain from junior school to always knock out of politeness.

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FindingHerStrength@reddit

Yes always.

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Haunting-Advantage37@reddit

Yes, out of habit (manners) but also in case it’s the wrong room! My dr always comes out to reception to get me, as do nurses. In the rare occasion I see a different dr who uses the screen to call next their patient then always a knock first.

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BiscuitCrumbsInBed@reddit

Yes i do. Once I knocked on the wrong door though, heard a 'come in', only to find the GP on his lunch break. Felt a bit confused but sat down anyway. He asked me what I wanted and then we realised I was in the wrong room. Was so embarrassing. I still avoid booking with him even though it was over a year ago!

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Background_King_3551@reddit

Nobody knocks at our Dr's. The previous patient leaves usually wait a few minutes I'm guessing Dr is reading my notes and if there's any tidying up they need to do. Then they call me in. Only people who knock are surgery staff. If there's no patient in they call them in. If there's a patient the Dr or nurse leaves the room to talk to them. There is one Dr at ours who asks us to send the next patient in. There was a motorbike crash outside the surgery one day. Crashes are rare in our town but he left the surgery to go and help him. He's my favourite.

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Not-a-Cranky-Panda@reddit

I use to but I've noticed now they wait at the door for you.

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kiddj1@reddit

I knock on the door and wait for them to shout come in.. the. For some reason I then feel like I'm in trouble and a massive inconvenience

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underwater-sunlight@reddit

If a GP calls you, they should have the common courtesy to have the door open, it's not like they aren't expecting you

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Mysterious_Balance53@reddit

Yes I think I still do.

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Creepy-Brick-@reddit

Yes. I always tap the door. Why wouldn’t I. I want them to know I am coming through the door. Not just going in unless the door is open.

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totallyhumanhonest@reddit

No, because then they wouldn't spin round in their chair and say "Ahh, Mr. totallyhumanhonest, I've been expecting you.. for this prostate exam."

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Soggy_Detective_4737@reddit

At my current surgery they come out to you. At the one before, you were called via a tannoy, and yes, I'd knock before entering.

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Business_Ad1365@reddit

I do. I also call them ‘doctor’ which I didn’t realise was not the norm until recently

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Soggywallet94@reddit

I knock whenever there's a closed door.

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evenstevens280@reddit

Must be annoying going into shops

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Soggywallet94@reddit

Especially when the doors are automatic, you have to be quick.

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SoggyWotsits@reddit

Damn. Foiled again!

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Soggywallet94@reddit

A fellow Soggy! 🤝

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SoggyWotsits@reddit

Moist to meet you!

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Soggywallet94@reddit

FFS 🤣

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Pristine_Shower3771@reddit

I always knock,.it's a good idea in case you get the wrong room! Another patient started opening the door when I was midway through a private conversation with my doctor once because they got the wrong door.

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aje0200@reddit

I don’t think I do. Mostly because the GP calls names themselves over the intercom, and they have their name on their door. So it’s not like you’re going to surprise them.

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Brave-Dish-5249@reddit

I knock and then open the door straightaway. So it’s a little bit pointless but seems polite.

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K1mTy3@reddit

Pre covid, my GP used to call patients over a tannoy. I would knock on the door when I got to the room. Since Covid, they don't have as many people in the waiting room any more. Now they come out to the waiting area and walk back with you.

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SoggyWotsits@reddit

It’s been quite a while since I had a face to face appointment, but if the doctor hasn’t led me in then yes, I always knock. I always ask if they want the door left open or closed when I leave too.

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Coconutpieplates@reddit

Yes, always. I think its also drummed in because everyone who works there would knock before they enter a room.

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aurora_ethereallight@reddit

If I'm called in via the tanned, yes. If the GP or nurse come out to get me personally, no.

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-auntiesloth-@reddit

I always knock before entering a room someone is in, even if they're expecting me. It's just a good habit.

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keithmk@reddit

I do

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Free_Ad7415@reddit

Yeah but I knock and then immediately walk in, just to announce myself really: they’ve already called me in so they know I’m coming

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Sonarthebat@reddit

Why would I knock if I've been called in?

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GetCapeFly@reddit

Yes, I knock if they don’t collect me from the waiting room.

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Chibi_Panda2@reddit

I do, it’s just polite

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AnneKnightley@reddit

No - they’ve essentially asked me to enter already so I don’t see the need. The door is usually open though.

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Raisinsandfairywings@reddit

Yes if for whatever reason I’m to go in and the door’s closed (eg if I’ve had to leave the midwife’s office to do a wee sample, I do a quick knock before walking back in). But more often than not they come out and bring me in anyway.

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Lessarocks@reddit

I knock whilst walking in.

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memojo1979@reddit

I knock too (we're usually called by a tannoy, but even when someone comes out to call, they've usually disappeared back into their room by the time you've stood up and walked across to the corridor) For all I know, the GP might have someone's notes on their computer, or might be having a good old explore up their nose, e.t c. (just hope they clean their hands after!), so a quick knock and waiting for a verbal confirmation allows a few seconds to make sure everything's readily for the next patient.

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User-1967@reddit

I do , I think it’s polite to knock before entering

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RecordingNo8140@reddit

Yes, without fail I'll always knock and wait for them to say come in.

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Crazy_Concern_9748@reddit

No because they open their door and call you in.. do GPS where you are close the door after calling you in?

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No_Whereas_5203@reddit (OP)

The doors are always closed. They are on automatic door closers. A screen in the waiting room tells you when to go into your appt

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Crazy_Concern_9748@reddit

Oh really? Well yeah I guess I would knock then.

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Paradroid808@reddit

No. I take the call as confirmation that they're waiting to see me.

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Mondaycomestoosoon@reddit

I just strut in with my clothes off to save time …

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VolksDK@reddit

I just go straight in. They're the ones that signal the board to tell me to enter, so they know I'm coming

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AfterMarketTurboJet@reddit

Before they came and got me from the waiting room I did always knock. I guess it's sort of instinctual in case it's the wrong room and there's another patient in there.

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nineteenthly@reddit

I do that but the door has often been open and it's been more than a decade since I saw a doctor in person because I never get ill.

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Financial_Breath5433@reddit

Any room. Common decency

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Spirited_Equal5480@reddit

Yes. I worked in primary care for years going from surgery to surgery. Always knock, always call them 'Doctor' even if you know their name.

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terryjuicelawson@reddit

May as well, I don't think it really matters.

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bnnyrabbit@reddit

i don't, kind of useless since they already know someone is coming

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CurvePuzzleheaded361@reddit

Yes, just common decency.

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qwertypi_@reddit

I knock and wait for a response if the doctor hasn't collected me in person. A nurse once brought me through for vitals then told me to go to the doctors room as they were ready for me. I knocked and walked in to a woman having a breast exam. So now I am extra cautious.

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kwakimaki@reddit

If the door is closed and you can't see who's in there, yes.

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BOOTYHOLE-DESTROYER2@reddit

What if the door is closed but you can see who's in there?

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PlusRespond2485@reddit

Awkward "Hellooo" lol

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Superspark76@reddit

Stand and stare at them

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kwakimaki@reddit

Also knock

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lammy82@reddit

What if the door is open but you can't see who's in there?

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Forgetful8nine@reddit

Also knock

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place909@reddit

What if there's no door?

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PlusRespond2485@reddit

Always!

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snowfairymagic@reddit

The gp.comes out to get you here in UK, and to show you to the door so you don't need to knock

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No_Whereas_5203@reddit (OP)

I'm in the UK. They don't at my GP there is a screen to tell you to go in. I'm surprised so many doctors come out to get patients, feels like a waste of the short amount of time they have

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snowfairymagic@reddit

That's so strange.

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emmjaybeeyoukay@reddit

My surgery uses the automated display and announcement system. I always knock twice and then wait. You never know if the system has dropped the ball or if the Doctor/Nurse has been interrupted between you being called and getting to the door. Its common courtesey.

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Sea_Pangolin3840@reddit

Yes I knock and walk in

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AlertWorldliness2238@reddit

No. The door is open. My name has been called so they are expecting me.

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No_Whereas_5203@reddit (OP)

Doors are always closed at my GP surgery

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Mother_Development50@reddit

My GP usually comes out get me, but otherwise I knock. I'm in my 60s so knocking was the done thing when I was a youngling that has stayed with me.

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Intrepid_Bearz@reddit

Yes, just seems polite. Although usually now the gp comes out, calls me and escorts me to the room, so no need to knock then.

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Smooth-Eggs@reddit

I'd still knock, best to make sure you're being as polite as possible.

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Moody_Immortal_1@reddit

I am a dual citizen US/UK. It's funny, in the states I never knocked. I think that is because someone always escorted us to the GP's room. Here in the UK, from my first every appt, I just felt I should knock. And from here, I always have. Been here for 18 years.

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No_Whereas_5203@reddit (OP)

That's interesting that you picked up on the culture that you should knock

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Moody_Immortal_1@reddit

One of these days I will do a video or something, where I can share all the things I learned when I moved here, humour included. My poor husband! LOL. Imagine my hubby from the North West and me, from California. My first trip to the shops had him wanting to hide. Even after all these years, we still have a laugh about pronouncing certain locations, words-etc. I couldn't have been more mistaken to think that since we were both speaking English, between the US and UK, it would be pretty easy. (HAHA!). Let's face it. I'm now bilingual. I speak English and American.

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_StillWaters_@reddit

I always knock before going in

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buy_me_a_pint@reddit

No need to knock on the GP door there come to collect you

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No_Whereas_5203@reddit (OP)

My GP has a screen that dings to get your attention and then lists your name and tells you what room to go to

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RaisinZealousideal39@reddit

I always knock

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dan_in_his_own_way@reddit

I always knock if any doors is closed.

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bsnimunf@reddit

I would always knock before entering someone else room. It's just a nicer way to enter the room rather than swinging the door open.

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Ragingpoo@reddit

I knock on any rooms that I expect to have a person inside, even if the door is slightly open, it's a couple taps to get a person attention, allow them to finish what they are doing, and avoids any potentially situations.

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CwningenFach@reddit

In my surgery, the GPs always open their door when they're ready for the next patient. They have to buzz you through to the area where the consulting rooms are anyway. I would knock in the unlikely event that the door was closed, though

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No_Whereas_5203@reddit (OP)

They have to buzz you in? I've never heard of that before. Do you live in an extremely rough area?

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CwningenFach@reddit

Not into the building, no. And, no

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Just-an-idiot-online@reddit

When I was about 15, I was told to go down to room 5 and go on in as the doctor was ready for me. The way it worked at that time was you were called through by reception to the consulting room. I went down to room 5, briefly knocked and entered... the GP was still with another patient. I was so mortified that 20+ years later I will never open a closed door in a doctors office, even if I knock. I will wait until they get annoyed and open it.

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Perfect_Mongoose_442@reddit

I always knock

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Major_Ambassador_253@reddit

I knock always have

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Consistent-Sand-3618@reddit

I always do. Once I'm urgent care a male doc knocked but then immediately flew into the room like an attacker. Apparently they do it in case of drug seekers but I was like just crying because I had a bad injury and was in pain. The doc had my top off and was examining me. Was so creep behavior. Another time the local police had a young man in the toilet WITH them unlocked but he was changing back into clothes. That was weird. I knock when it's not my place. I don't need to walk in on anyone without clothes. Toilets, gps, loos in peoples homes..

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pikantnasuka@reddit

I can't remember the last time I was just called. The GP always comes out and gets the patient.

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TheRealGabbro@reddit

You should knock on any door that is closed and you can’t see into the room to check if it’s ok to enter. That’s basic manners.

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LittleSadRufus@reddit

No it never occured to me to knock, even if the door is closed, as they've called my name and provided the room number and doctor's name as part of that announcement, both of which are also displayed on the door. A mistake would be almost impossible, and the fact they called me has always seemed sufficient invite to attend. However it's a small practice and the numbering and names are very distinct. I can see if there was more ambiguity then knocking might be needed.

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This_Rom_Bites@reddit

I've always knocked.

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yam0msah0e@reddit

I always knock, imagine they put the wrong door number up on the screen and you walked in on someone getting their bumhole examined (sorry don’t know medical term for it)

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BlueStarFern@reddit

FWIW it's called a "PR" exam (stands for *per rectum* from latin) or alternatively "DRE" (Digital Rectal Exam, digital meaning finger not the opposite of analog). I much prefer your phrasing though!

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Interesting-Day-2472@reddit

What amuses me is i have seen my gp the other day . There was me (f) and a man in waiting area . She announced my full name when it was clears it me 🤣.

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9-60Fury@reddit

lol fair I just end up doing it blindly out of habit even if there’s only one person waiting

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Greedy-Mechanic-4932@reddit

If it's lights/tannoy system, then I'm knocking. If they come out to me (like they do with my GP), then I'm just following them in so pointless knocking. It'd look like I have some OCD and cause some questions around what I'm really there for...

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purquoy@reddit

My GP practice has a screen which displays a message with an announcement like "<Purquoy> to Room 8 please" and out of habit I give two knock then open the door.

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MrTig@reddit

Normally yes, I as someone with autism prefer someone annouces themself before entering my room at home so I extend the same for someone at work who can't someone about to open their door, it gives them a few seconds to be ready to speak to me and also for me to be ready to discuss my medical issues.

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Therashser@reddit

Yes, I will always knock on a closed door before entering.

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RetiredFromIT@reddit

Yes I do, even though some of the doctors seem to feel it is silly. Old habits die hard. At the same time... our surgery (a large practice) has multiple video boards that call you by name and tell you which room to go to. One time, I either misread the screen or a mistake was made with the information, because I knocked at the wrong door. Had I not knocked (and had the doctor come to the door), I might have walked into another patient's examination. So, not so silly.

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thehoneybadger1223@reddit

It's basic manners. It's level 1 manner etiquette

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Popular-Custard8519@reddit

I do, I don’t know why I’m 37 I just have the demeanour and actions of a little old lady. Although saying that I think post pandemic I’ve only been asked to actually attend in person once. Not complaining about that though, I’m a big fan of telephone appointments and really begrudge attending maternity appointments that could have been a phone call particularly as they test my pee for proteins/infection etc with the exact brand and type of test I have at home from Amazon and I monitor my own blood pressure anyway just in case.

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oscarsowner@reddit

I don’t know why but yes. Always. I remember my mother doing this too when I used to go with her back in the ‘60’s.

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Alert_Mine7067@reddit

My GP surgery has 2 red LED displays that say the patients name and which room to go to. In my head that's the doctor efficiently telling me to come in from reception. The GP I see the most uses this method, as do the nurses and nurse practitioners. There is another GP who comes out to reception, calls you and escorts you in.

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MKMK123456@reddit

I always knock before entering a room which has a closed door. Even if its a glass see through , a gentle tap is always good practice.

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Fantastic_Fig_8559@reddit

I always knock.

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Asher-D@reddit

I do it, on the off chance I've gotten the wrong door, or the person Im seeing has sensitive information out

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Brilliant-Figure-149@reddit

At our surgery, in the rare instance when you can get a GP appointment, they come and get you from reception. I'd like to think that having a little small talk chat with you on the way to their room is part of the consultation and they should be getting a vibe of how well or unwell you are. You can tell a lot about a person before you "get down to business". Same with job interviews. The candidate's chitchat with the receptionist and when you collect them is very much part of the "first impressions".

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GonnaGetTheWonka@reddit

Yes, it’s called manners darling

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GarethGazzGravey@reddit

I do, just in case they are busy finishing either a call or a write up from their previous patient. That said, as others have mentioned, my GP will usually come out and call for the next patient rather than use a tannoy, so in that regard there is no need to knock.

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Accomplished-Pen-69@reddit

To actually answer the question posed; do you knock? Yes is the answer, always knock before entering, also never shake hands whilst sitting down.

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Most_Art507@reddit

My doctor's waiting room is large and divided into separate areas, you never know where to sit as the doctor can be in any of the rooms, and you rarely see the same doctor twice. They will call your name, but the waiting room can be noisy, especially if there are children there waiting, so it's easy to miss the call

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Cyanopicacooki@reddit

My GP always comes through to call me in person and leads me to the consulting room - as do the nurse and physio

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Kind-Tree6159@reddit

My dr comes out and gets me.

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joaaaaaannnofdarc@reddit

I do.

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Fyonella@reddit

In the days when a surgery door was closed, yes, I’d knock. These days, however, the doors are always standing open when I’ve been summonsed by the automated TV screen system.

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Electrical_Wall8926@reddit

I knock and instantly open anyway. It just feels wrong not to regardless.

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MissKatbow@reddit

If the door isn’t open already I do because it needs a keycard to get in otherwise. If it’s open I just say hello as I’m going in.

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GarethGore@reddit

I've always been called by the GP, then walk with them, be weird if I stopped and knocked

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SimpleManc88@reddit

Always.

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nitnitnotnot@reddit

I always knock unless the door is wide open. I could easily get the wrong door and walk in on someone.

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drewtendo64@reddit

Always, and the appointment is always followed by a 'thank you doctor'

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HashDefTrueFalse@reddit

I do, but at my practice the doors are really thick and you can't hear them respond, so I still get to feel like I'm just barging in. Do I stop though... nope!

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Phnix21@reddit

No, because GPs I have been to either keep the door open when they are ready for your turn or there are lights above the GP doors that indicate if you can go in or not.

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ConsistentCrazy5745@reddit

I always knock

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Iforgotmypassword126@reddit

Yeah I do this. Once the GP opened the door and explained she was with another patient. I was mortified and apologised, went back to reception and they gave me that door shin. I explained to them. They called, and I went to a different GP who was in a different room.

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pinkdaisylemon@reddit

Yes always. It just seems the right thing to do.

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Atompunk78@reddit

Absolutely, can you imagine I get the wrong room and just walk in to some guy’s ball exam or something? Also it’s just polite

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GrouchyNeck961@reddit

I always knock.

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AutoAbsolute@reddit

I’m collected from my seat and walked to the GP room

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wondered-bongo@reddit

Yeah, a few little polite knock and a singsongy hello!

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Bipolar03@reddit

Ours come to us, after my appointment, I always say "do you want me to close the door?"

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No_Needleworker6786@reddit

I do but then I just walk in straight away. It’s probably some inbuilt thing from my childhood. I know they’re expecting me cos the tannoy called my name lol

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srm79@reddit

Yes, always, just in case they've told me the wrong room number or if I've heard it wrong - I wouldn't want to wander in to somebody else's consultation

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ChloeGoogle@reddit

Yeah, especially after one time I didn’t knock and they’d sent me to the wrong room when my name was called. I’m just glad the room was empty rather than accidentally walking into another patients appointment

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Burgers4dayz@reddit

Attended my GP alone for 1st time when i was 16, i just walked in after having my name called and the GP went ape shit at me.

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Saw_Boss@reddit

Yes, just in case it's the wrong door.

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charliekeery@reddit

they've always took me into the room so i don't need to knock. i think my anxiety would make me leave right there and then if that changed haha

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Gold-Collection2636@reddit

I can't remember the last time I went to see one in person, it's all phone appointments these days at my GP

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BeanOnAJourney@reddit

Yes, they always sit with their doors closed and they don't have names on the doors so it's a bit of a gamble to work out which door you need - i knock in case i've got the wrong door.

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BoiledChicken653@reddit

Always knock before entering a closed door room

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kt1982mt@reddit

I always knock; I think it’s the polite thing to do, and serves to make sure that I’ve got the correct room and am not walking in on another doctor/patient consultation.

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Moppo_@reddit

They called my name, I've already been invited in, so no.

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Competitive_Dot8821@reddit

Yes, I do this too. I always knock on the door before going into the consult room. I've never thought about it, but guess I must have been brought up to do that. It sort of makes sense, when you stop and think about it, too. Like what if you have the wrong room and walk in on another patient mid examination.

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Haytham_Ken@reddit

Yes, it's disrespectful to open a closed door without knocking

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Inkblot7001@reddit

Yes, but I feel like I am losing out. I have watched Carry on Doctor too many times.

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Brady_Bunch2013@reddit

I was always taught that if the door is closed, to always knock first. I teach my kids the same 🤷🏻‍♀️

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NotMyFirstChoice675@reddit

I knock before I go into any room with a closed door (unless I’m at home). Never know who’s on the otherside

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DarthRick3rd@reddit

I knock on every door I see. Every door no exceptions.

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LaurenNotABot@reddit

Yes. Never been to a gp surgery where they come to get you.

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LordCoops@reddit

Of course. It would be bad manners not to.

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The-Ginger-Lily@reddit

No, in the two I've recently been registered with, they come and collect from the waiting area

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Odd_Woodpecker_8151@reddit

Many years ago when I saw the same GP I used to knock on the door before going in. Now, trying to get to see a GP is hard work! Haven't seen a GP for about 4 years. My named GP left, and now I have no idea who my GP is!

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slimedewnautica@reddit

Yeah I do it. My thought is that they may be looking at the previous patients details on the computer or another practitioner has nipped in to ask a question, so better safe than sorry

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jizzyjugsjohnson@reddit

Of course. Gives them time to get the pr0n off their screen

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Dr-Ben701@reddit

Knock if the person doesn’t collect you (a) you might have the wrong room, (b) it’s polite

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TheDutchess_420@reddit

You always knock on a closed door before entering imo

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ChelseaMourning@reddit

I always knock on the off chance that I’ve got the wrong room, or that they’ve flashed the wrong number up on the screen. Plus it’s polite.

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skaterjon@reddit

I usually give a light knock even if my name’s been called. It just feels polite, especially since they might still be finishing notes or sorting something out. I don’t think it’s strictly necessary, but it feels a bit odd to just walk straight in without any pause. Probably more habit than anything else.

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super_sammie@reddit

Yes, if a door is closed I always assume it’s closed for a reason.

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discoveredunknown@reddit

Same. Which is odd given my parents when I was younger would enjoy regularly charging into my bedroom when the door was locked at all times.

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ProfPMJ-123@reddit

My GP comes to the waiting room to get whoever the next patient is. It would seem a bit fucking weird if I followed him to his room, watched him shut the door on me then knocked to be asked to go in.

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caroline0409@reddit

It never occurred to me to do that, since I’ve been called, I assume they’re ready for me. Yikes, I’ve been doing this wrong for years.

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Polar-Snow@reddit

Door always closed so I always knock then open door slowly since I can’t hear response and if I happen open wrong door at least I can close it quickly. Thankfully I never opened wrong door so far.

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Ok_Veterinarian2715@reddit

Would you knock on a door in a brothel? Same reason.

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buginarugsnug@reddit

In the surgery I use now, the GP actually comes and gets you. Where I used to live, they usually had their doors wide open when expecting their next patient so I didn't knock as they could see approaching. If a door was closed (or mostly closed) I would knock.

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SuzLouA@reddit

Like others my GP often comes out to collect these days, but if it’s a tannoy or screen telling you to go through, so you are approaching a closed door, then yes. Thinking about it, I’d probably even knock on an open door, or pause in the doorway and say hello and wait to be invited in. Haven’t ever really given it much thought before, it’s just automatic (somewhere my mum is smiling proudly at how well she indoctrinated me in the ways of manners - a staff member at nursery also commented once that I’m the only parent who always wipes their feet on the doormat before I come in and I’d never even realised I was doing it 😂) Though I likely wouldn’t wait for a “come in”, but only because I know they’re expecting me and they’re busy.

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ElBisonBonasus@reddit

But do you lift your arm to knock?

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NecroVelcro@reddit

Yes, and I wait for a response before I go in. Staff often don't have the same courtesy: the amount of times that another member of staff (someone who's coming in for something unrelated to me) has knocked and come in without waiting is obscene. I've never been in a vulnerable situation when it's happened but multiple awful medical experiences make appointments stressful enough as it is.

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lovesorangesoda636@reddit

If its closed or if they're not looking at the door I'll knock just to a) announce that I'm there so they don't get a fright and b) double check that they're ready and not quickly jotting something down about another patient.

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NurseAbbers@reddit

I always knock if the door isn't open.

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SnooLemons9175@reddit

I always do, feel weird when I do, but can't not do it.

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Angelis75@reddit

If the door is closed I knock, if its open I don't. Recently the Dr comes out and collects the patients.

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gemmanotwithaj@reddit

No they usually collect people from the waiting room. I do remember the days of the crackly tannoy though calling out your name. You could never hear who it was meant to be

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Efficient_Bet_1891@reddit

Knock on door, walked into surgery and GP took one look and said, Get on the couch please! He replied, Why? Do I look that ill? No I just want to sweep the floor…

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Neo-Riamu@reddit

Yes and sort of lol Yes for my old surgery because that what you did. But my newer surgery and other place and this is especially true after Covid but they now collect you and walk you to the room and i do not have to touch a single door with my hand. The only door i ever touch now related to a doctor anywhere is the main entrance.

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Aromatic_Pea_4249@reddit

I used to but since Covid my surgery went to the GP meeting the patient in the waiting room.

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LagerBoi@reddit

Yeah mine does too. They come out and call your name. Before that when I'd have to navigate and look at names on doors, door was usually open anyway.

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Ornery_Pipe_9243@reddit

Yes.. but I wish they would leave the door open so I didn’t have to 😩

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jawide626@reddit

The boring answer is that medical buildings have strict fire regulation codes to adhere to. Doors must self-close to prevent the spread of fire. Yes some doors will be wedged open but shouldn't be.

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GhostLeopard_666@reddit

I think it depends on your surgery, mine they come and collect you from the waiting room. Knocking is polite, you never know they might still be writing/typing up the previous patients notes

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BrightSide0fLife@reddit

I used to do it at my last practice but at my current one the Dr calls the persons name and waits for the patient to follow the Dr. At the last place there were two rooms and they didn't tell anyone which room it was so I never knew which room therefore I knocked and waited for a response.

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Tonybham01@reddit

On principle I never knock. An invite is an invite.

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Hedgehogosaur@reddit

My GP greets you in the waiting room and takes you to their room

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Shoddy_Juice9144@reddit

Yes, it would be weird to just walk into their office/consultation room without somehow announcing myself first lol.

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takesthebiscuit@reddit

I am the one who knocks! It’s just polite

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kimba-the-tabby-lion@reddit

Always knock on any closed door; mistakes happen.

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ImNotHalberstram@reddit

I always knock every door before going into a room with someone in there, pretty much. It just doesn't seem right to not do that and walk in unannounced. Also, sorta related: I noticed the last time I went to my GP they still announced my name as Master ImNotHalberstram, which I found odd considering I'm in my 20s lol.

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Environmental-Cut779@reddit

Yeah, they might be in the middle of writing something up so it announces I’ve arrived and allows them a moment to close their screen put away notes. Also respectful to knock on a closed door even if ajar

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QueenieQueeferson@reddit

Most of the GPs/nurses come out to the waiting room to collect patients in my surgery. If I'm told to go through myself then yes I would knock and wouldn't enter until I heard a "come in" or similar.

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Horror_Proof_ish@reddit

I do, it’s simply good manners.

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Sea-Possession-1208@reddit

Most people do. I suspect it has some correlation with stopping, checking you're at the right door, knocking and then entering. It is far more common in my experience that people burst in to the wrong room than it is knock at the wrong room. (Source: am a gp)

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LikeEveryoneSheKnows@reddit

In my surgery you're collected from the waiting room by the GP/nurse so there's no need to knock (obviously). But I've been at other surgeries where that wasn't the case, and I'll always knock. Just seems polite, even if they're clearly expecting you.

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This-Risk-3737@reddit

At mine, they come and get you from the waiting area. Just as well because the docs don't seem to have dedicated offices.

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Real-Strawberry-1395@reddit

Always.

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CombinationCalm9616@reddit

Just went to the GP’s yesterday for my son and I knocked the door. I always knock the door especially if it closed but I think it’s common courtesy.

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simonannitsford@reddit

Uep

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Any-Class-2673@reddit

Yes. I have dyscalculia so sometimes numbers get rearranged or changed in my head, so I get a lil paranoid that I might be remembering the door number wrong!

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One-Writing-7860@reddit

Yes. Was brought up the same.

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Silvagadron@reddit

Absolutely. Never thought not to knock because it just seems impolite in any setting.

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cold_tap_hot_brew@reddit

Yes, it’s normal to be polite and not barge in to a room assuming you’re expected by someone waiting just for you.

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subbiedavie@reddit

Definitely. Even if it’s unlikely there is another patient in there, it shows respect. I always address them as Doctor too.

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Jesisawesome@reddit

Of course, especially if the door is fully closed.

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