Did you know that your average GP appointment lasts between 10-15 minutes? Yes, that’s about it! And the timer starts the moment your GP reviews your records, right before your name gets called by the GP. It includes the time taken to walk into the GP’s consultation room, settle down comfortably, detail out your problems and comprehend the GP’s advice and write out a prescription!
Simply put, time is tight and you need to make the most of it! Here are some simple measures that can help.
Planning your GP Appointment with Precision
- Being Punctual is crucial: We all know doctors run late all the time. Even then, patients and being on time are crucial. If the patient is late, this gives GPs little chance to run on time and will affect every other patient for that day. Some days, the GP could well be on time and run late because a patient is late for his or her appointment! Also, some clinics or GPs follow the “first come first serve” rule! If you are early, you get to be seen early! It’s really that simple!
- Leaving Kids and Toddlers at Home is a Precious Idea: Kids do not have a sense of timing and managing them can lead to loads of distractions not only for yourself but also for the doctor. Not bringing them along is most preferred. If you must, bribing them with their favorite treats or electronic gadgets is your best bet!
- Never bring a list: This is perhaps the best piece of advice anyone can give you before you attend your GP appointment! Bringing along a complete list of issues that you might be facing and looking for solutions to each within a matter of 10 minutes is not advisable by any means! What you need to do is to focus on the one most important problem that needs prompt attention and seek solutions for that problem alone! That is the smartest thing to do! Limit each consult to one problem. Overloading your GP is unlikely to result in providing the best care for you and also leads to other patients being delayed.
- Frame a Chronological Story in your Head before you Arrive: It is important to frame a story that details the chronological events of the disease or ailment for a better understanding. For instance, you can begin your story like this, “the first symptoms showed up about a month earlier when I woke up with intense stomach ache in the middle of night!” This will help the GP to understand the chain of events better. A haphazard account of events will only end up confusing the GP given the limited time he or she has at hand. The onus of ensuring a better understanding of the condition you are suffering from resides with you!
- Start with the most Pressing Issue: Most people spend loads of time on warm-up, mentioning inconsequential symptoms, only to mention the most alarming one casually, at the end! Always begin with the most prominent and significant symptom you are having, for a fair diagnosis. If you do have a list, work with your GP to decide what is the most pressing problem and allow for future appointments to effectively manage your other medical issues. You will find that giving your GP more time to understand your health will lead to greater benefits in the future, especially when your healthcare needs become more complex.
- Kindness never Hurts: Remember, your GP is trying his or her best to be of help. You are not the only patient he or she has to deal with! There is a diverse range of issues to be addressed in a day! The least you can do is be kind! Share your concerns politely. Ask again if you are not satisfied with the response he or she gives you but make sure to be patient at all times. Your doctor is human too!
Even if you have googled your symptoms which most of us would do, refrain from sharing your assessments or diagnosis with your doctor. The best you can do is to ask a couple of informed questions to make your GP appointment successful.