Demand to see a doctor can sometimes be high, which can make getting an appointment very tricky. And once you have secured an appointment, you may find that you do not have very long in which to explain what the problem is or to complete any tests which your GP would like to carry out. Below is a guide to some useful tips which will help you to secure and get the most out of an appointment.
Attend the surgery in person
If you would like a same-day appointment, you should always try to turn up in person as soon as the GPs surgery opens. While this may seem like a lot of effort compared to ringing up, being there in person dramatically increases the chances that you will get an appointment to see a doctor. When you attempt to ring up, you will often find that the number is engaged or that you have to wait in an automated queue until someone can answer your call. However, if you arrive in person, it is likely you will be dealt with much faster and will be able to secure a same-day appointment. You should also try to avoid Mondays and Fridays, as these tend to be busy days because most GPs are closed over the weekend.
Tell the doctor the truth
It is no good going to see a doctor if you aren't willing to tell them the truth. When answering questions about how many cigarettes you smoke or how many units of alcohol you drink, it can be very tempting to lie. However, by misleading your doctor, you could be placing your health at risk. Every lie you tell only increases the amount of incorrect information which the doctor has to work with. A doctor will use the false answers to diagnose and treat you. Another common lie is regarding medication. If you have not been taking your medication on a regular basis, you need to say so. Remember, everything you say to a doctor is strictly confidential, and your GP will not be angry if you admit to lying or not taking your meds.
Ask questions
If you do not understand something which your GP has said, you should not be afraid of asking for clarification. Sometimes doctors can use medical terminology which patients do not understand. Rather than just nodding your head, you should interrupt and ask for clarification. Your GP will be happy to explain and answer any questions you have.
Why not try out these tips the next time you visit your GP?
Share2 January 2018
Hello! My name is Eileen. I would like to introduce you to the topic of primary care. Primary care is often the first contact you will have with the health service when you do not feel well. This could be with your local GP or in your local emergency care centre. Because people do not understand what primary care is, they will often not seek the help they need. When I became unwell last year, I visited my GP and then was sent to the hospital. During this time, I developed a good understanding of primary care. I hope my blog helps you.
