"Unnecessary Appointment"

I received an appointment to go the Royal Stoke Hospital to the Urology Clinic. I wasn't 100% certain of what the appointment was for, but approx. a year earlier I had had a kidney stone that that had passed, but assumed it must be something to do with that.  

I arrived very early as I know the carpark there is always full and finding a space can take a while. Well 45 mins after arriving I finally found a space. I paid my £4 parking, again having no idea how long and what exactly I was there for so wanted to be on safe side.  

I checked in and noticed there was between 30 mins and an hour wait, again no real issue at this point. I was eventually called in 45 mins later than my appointments time. The consultant asked if I had any further issues, which I replied no, I was then discharged (All of 2 minutes).

My issue is, was it really necessary to have all the above just to see if I had any further issues, I feel the NHS could save themselves and patients money & time if these types of appointments could be done over the phone. In this day and age I really think there must be an easier, cheaper and quicker way to just see if everything is ok... don't you?