How to get the best from your GP

A few days ago an old school friend contacted me on Facebook. At first I thought I should write about the medical condition they were thinking of, but really the gist of the message was, 'How do I get my GP to take me seriously?'
 And this can be an issue; my trainer once told me ninety percent of what we see in general practice will resolve by itself, and other GPs describe our job as searching for a needle in an ever enlarging haystack. After seeing 40 patients it's all too easy for us to dismiss concerns in the patient or parent when they may have a valid presentation.
 So what did I advise my friend, and what points will help you get the most from your GP?

Before your appointment.

Allow enough time.

 If you are going to ask about a couple of things, or have a complex cluster of symptoms, ask to book a double appointment, you may have to wait a bit longer but you shouldn't feel as rushed and we appreciate the consideration.
 Receptionists can also be helpful about letting you know the best person to see or the best time to come. In my old surgery I was the only GP who did minor surgery and contraceptive coils and implants, so asking reception the best doctor to see can save you having to come back.
 It's also worth asking when samples are sent to the lab. It is rare that a GP has time to take a blood sample in an appointment, but I often had to rebook patients from a friday afternoon who needed swabs taking as the courier had already been and gone.

Plan.

 Plan what you want to say beforehand. Even I can get flustered in an appointment and come out realising I have forgotten to say what I wanted to bring up. Going to see a doctor can be daunting, no matter how friendly they seem, so plan what symptoms you want to describe, make a list if needed and try to be clear. Ninety percent of diagnosis comes from what you tell us, so it's important.

Be accurate.

 Try to think of how long you've had the symptoms for. Answering 'a while, ages or a bit' is not helpful.
 If you have a pain, think of words to describe the nature beforehand. Is it sharp? Burning? Aching? Does anything seem to bring it on?

 Let us know your concerns.

 Let us know what you are worried about and why. If you tell us your brother had a brain tumour, we'd understand why you are seeing us with a headache. A lot of illnesses have a genetic basis so tell us about them, it may make us more likely to test for that condition.


On the day.

Arrive on time. I know, I know, we often run late. But that's usually because someone has taken more than ten minutes to sort out, not because we've idled and turned up late. If you have other things to sort out at reception, arrive early.

 Bring a friend.

 If you think you need moral support then feel free to bring a friend or relative, especially if they have witnessed an episode of illness, they may have helpful information to share.

Put your phone on silent.

 Mobiles don't interfere with much medical equipment, but a phone ringing, and especially if you answer it and proceed to have a conversation, is practically guaranteed to put your doctor in a bad mood!

Be prepared to be examined.

 If you have a problem with your shoulder, wear a vest top under your clothes. If it's your leg think about wearing a skirt (definitely not tights under trousers!) If it's a gynaecological problem try not to schedule an appointment during your period.

Feel free to return.

 Most illness don't start with text book symptoms, they evolve gradually. Watching and waiting can be a valuable diagnostic tool. If your symptoms are changing, or not resolving in the advised time, we want you to come back and let us know.