Cheating, exaggerating and sometimes even lying: some patients do everything for a doctor's appointment
Patients are resorting to dishonest tactics to secure a consultation, as getting a quick appointment with a general practitioner is no longer guaranteed in the Netherlands. According to general practitioners and medical assistants, some patients withhold information, exaggerate their symptoms, or even lie outright to gain access to the doctor's office. This trend is causing concern among healthcare professionals, who observe that the pressure on the healthcare system is leading to increased manipulation by patients seeking timely medical attention.