GPs are there to help you (really!), but there are some things that aren’t their responsibility.
While a good doctor will always do what they can to accommodate patients’ needs and even their wishes, some things people ask for are unreasonable and, at times, even inappropriate. It’s no wonder, then, that when a patient demands these things, it doesn’t get them very far.
1. Demanding same-day appointments for non-urgent issues
Patients often insist on seeing a GP immediately for issues that aren’t emergencies, like a mild cold or a prescription refill. While understandable, these demands strain already overstretched services. GPs must prioritise urgent cases, and non-urgent issues may need to wait for an appropriate slot.
2. Asking for antibiotics for every illness
Despite repeated warnings about antibiotic resistance, some patients still expect antibiotics for viral infections like the flu or a sore throat. GPs must often explain—again—that antibiotics don’t work for viruses and overuse can have serious consequences. Reassuring patients with alternative solutions, like symptom management, often becomes part of the consultation.
3. Expecting to discuss every health issue in one appointment
GP appointments are usually 10–15 minutes long, but some patients arrive with a laundry list of issues. Trying to address multiple concerns in one session compromises the quality of care for each issue. GPs often need to tactfully suggest follow-up visits to ensure thorough attention to each problem.
4. Requesting unnecessary referrals to specialists
Some patients insist on being referred to specialists, even when their condition can be managed by the GP. This not only delays access for those who truly need specialist care but also wastes healthcare resources. GPs aim to provide care efficiently and responsibly, focusing on patient needs over preferences.
5. Demanding tests they’ve read about online
With so much medical information online, patients often request specific tests that aren’t clinically indicated. GPs have to balance patient concerns with evidence-based practice, which sometimes means saying no to unnecessary tests. Educating patients on why certain tests are or aren’t appropriate is a delicate but essential part of their role.
6. Insisting on specific medications by name
Whether it’s a new drug they saw advertised or a medication someone recommended, patients sometimes demand specific prescriptions. GPs are tasked with ensuring the treatment is appropriate and safe, not just meeting patient preferences. They may also need to explain why a different medication might be better suited to their condition.
7. Refusing to wait for test results before demanding treatment
Some patients want immediate treatment even when test results are pending, not understanding that acting too quickly could be harmful. GPs must often explain that proper diagnosis takes time and is crucial for effective care. Their priority is ensuring treatments are safe and tailored to the correct diagnosis.
8. Asking for medical letters for nonmedical reasons
Requests for notes to get out of work, avoid exams, or cancel a gym membership are surprisingly common. GPs often find themselves having to politely refuse such nonmedical demands to focus on genuine healthcare needs. These requests take time away from medical cases that truly require their attention.
9. Expecting an instant cure for chronic conditions
Managing long-term illnesses like diabetes or arthritis takes time, effort, and lifestyle changes, but some patients expect immediate solutions. GPs must often remind them that chronic conditions require ongoing management, not quick fixes. Patience and a consistent treatment plan are essential for long-term improvement.
10. Wanting a GP to “fix” nonmedical problems
GPs regularly deal with patients asking for help with housing issues, financial problems, or workplace disputes. While they empathise, these requests are outside their expertise, and they may direct patients to more appropriate services. Their primary focus is on medical care, but they often provide resources or referrals to external support.
11. Pressuring for sick notes for mild illnesses
Some patients demand sick notes for minor ailments like mild colds, even when they’re not medically justified. GPs must walk the line between supporting patients and preventing misuse of sick leave policies. Educating patients on what constitutes a valid reason for a sick note is part of managing these expectations.
12. Ignoring advice and returning with the same issue
Patients who refuse to follow medical advice and then come back with the same problem can be frustrating for GPs. Repeated consultations for the same untreated issue take up valuable time that could be used for other patients. GPs often have to readdress the same concerns while emphasising the importance of following their guidance.
13. Expecting a GP to solve mental health crises immediately
While doctors play a crucial role in mental health care, patients sometimes expect instant solutions for complex issues like anxiety or depression. Mental health treatment often requires a combination of therapies, time, and patience. GPs work hard to support patients while setting realistic expectations about progress.
14. Requesting private-level care in a public system
Patients sometimes expect extended appointment times, immediate test results, or rapid referrals that are more common in private healthcare. GPs in the NHS often face the challenge of managing patient expectations within system constraints. Explaining these limitations tactfully is key to maintaining trust and understanding.
15. Insisting on phone consultations for complicated issues
While virtual appointments are convenient, some problems require physical examinations or in-person discussions. GPs may find it unreasonable when patients insist on phone consultations for issues that clearly need a closer look. They aim to provide thorough care, which isn’t always possible through remote consultations.
16. Refusing to acknowledge the GP’s expertise
Patients who believe their internet research trumps medical training can be difficult to manage. Doctors often need to diplomatically explain why professional guidelines differ from what a patient has read online. Building trust requires balancing empathy with firm, evidence-based advice.
17. Expecting instant weight-related solutions.
Some patients want immediate results for weight management without making lifestyle changes. GPs can offer guidance and support, but they can’t provide shortcuts for long-term health improvements. They often emphasise that sustainable results come from gradual, consistent efforts rather than quick fixes.
