Nobody likes waiting. Ever. Yet it’s amazing how much waiting is self-inflicted. You should come to the doctor’s fully prepared to get yourself through as quickly as possible and get the greatest benefit from your visit. All that’s required is a little forethought.
Before you even leave home, make sure you have all your documentation:
- PPS number and medical card – needed for any form of certification.
- Full list of symptoms and history; don’t rely on memory while you’re with the GP.
- If you think there may be a family history, check it out with relatives.
- List of questions you want to ask the doctor.
- If you’d feel happier if someone accompanied you, make the arrangement in time.
- Make a note of the name and strength of any medicines you may have been taking without the GP’s knowledge.
- If you suspect you may have an infectious condition like measles, inform reception by phone so you don’t end up sitting amongst other patients, infecting them.
As soon as you arrive:
- If you think the doctor may need a urine sample, ask for a bottle and have the sample when you meet the doctor.
- Inform receptionist if you have an issue to be attended to other than the one you originally cited.
During the consultation:
- Pay close attention to what the doctor says. Write things down if necessary.
- Always tell the truth, even if you find it embarrassing – the doctor won’t be shocked.
- Don’t use ambiguous euphemisms like calling regular heavy drinking sessions ‘a couple of pints every now and then’.
- Don’t be shy to ask for clarification or an explanation.
- Ask when the doctor reckons you ought to begin to feel better.
- Ask how long to postpone a revisit if the expected result is not materialising.
Afterwards:
- Carry out instructions conscientiously.
- Always finish a course of treatment, even after you’ve begun to feel absolutely fine.
- Keep notes of how you are progressing, in case you have to go back to the GP.
