Making the most of your GP visits

Pegasus Health

Making the most of your visit to the general practice team
1. See your doctor when you're well Usually patients wait until they’re unwell before making an appointment with their general practice. An appointment when you're well means your practice team can get a global picture of your health when you're not in crisis. Your GP can give you a 'warrant of fitness', including noting any history of heart disease, diabetes, cancer and other medical conditions. By knowing you when you're well, your GP will be better able to help you when you're ill.
2. Make the most of each appointment Write down all the conditions and symptoms you have beforehand. That way when you're in with your GP or practice nurse you won't forget anything you'd wanted to ask. It's a good idea to decide which conditions are the most important, so that your most urgent needs get attention first. If you've got a long list of conditions you want to discuss with your GP, let the receptionist or nurse know when you make your appointment, so you pay for the time you need. 3. Tell your GP the full story To help your GP get the correct diagnosis of your condition in the quickest time possible, they need to know all your symptoms. Even if some symptoms seem unrelated, let your GP decide whether there's any connection. And don't forget to mention any non-prescription drugs you're taking or vitamin and health supplements.
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