It’s hard enough to even get an appointment with your GP, but when you do, you want to make the most of your time.
Sadly, most NHS doctors are allotted only 10 minutes of consultation time per patient, which means if you want to talk about what’s going on with you and get some advice or treatment, you need to be smart about it. However, you can’t just show up and start making demands or taking out your frustrations on your GP. In fact, if you do these things during your appointment, they won’t be keen to welcome you back anytime soon.
1. You arrive late but still expect to be seen on time.
Punctuality is crucial for keeping the day’s schedule on track. Late arrivals can throw off the entire day, causing stress for both the GP and other patients. It’s important to remember that your tardiness can have a ripple effect, potentially impacting the care of several patients after you.
2. You bring a long list of issues for a single appointment.
While it’s understandable to want to address multiple concerns, a standard appointment isn’t designed to cover numerous issues. This can lead to rushed care or running over time. If you have multiple concerns, consider booking a longer appointment or prioritising your most pressing issues.
3. You don’t take your prescribed medication, but don’t mention it.
Not following treatment plans without discussing it can lead to misdiagnosis or inappropriate changes in your care. Honesty about medication adherence is crucial for effective treatment. Your GP needs to know if you’re experiencing side effects or have concerns about your medication to provide the best care possible.
4. You wait until the end of the appointment to mention your main concern.
Bringing up your primary issue as you’re leaving doesn’t allow enough time for proper assessment. It’s best to state your main concern at the beginning of the appointment. This allows your GP to allocate time appropriately and ensure your most important health concern is addressed thoroughly.
5. You demand antibiotics for viral infections.
Insisting on antibiotics for conditions they can’t treat, like the common cold, puts unnecessary pressure on GPs and contributes to antibiotic resistance. Understanding that antibiotics are not a cure-all can help you work more effectively with your doctor to find appropriate treatments for your symptoms.
6. You’re not honest about your lifestyle habits.
Downplaying alcohol consumption, smoking, or poor diet habits makes it difficult for GPs to provide accurate advice and treatment. Remember, your doctor isn’t there to judge you, but to help you achieve the best health outcomes possible based on your real-life circumstances.
7. You use your phone during the consultation.
Taking calls or texting during your appointment is disruptive and disrespectful. It wastes valuable consultation time and breaks the flow of conversation. Your undivided attention during the appointment ensures you don’t miss important information or instructions from your GP.
8. You don’t follow up on referrals or tests.
Ignoring recommended specialist appointments or not getting prescribed tests done can hinder your treatment progress and waste resources. Following through on these recommendations is an important part of your care plan and helps your GP make informed decisions about your health.
9. You rely on internet diagnoses instead of professional advice.
Source: Unsplash While it’s good to be informed, insisting on a self-diagnosis based on internet searches can be frustrating for GPs trying to provide expert care. Consider using your research as a starting point for discussion with your doctor, rather than a definitive diagnosis.
10. You don’t respect the GP’s personal boundaries.
Asking overly personal questions or making inappropriate comments can make GPs uncomfortable and affect the professional relationship. Maintaining a respectful, professional interaction helps create a more positive and effective healthcare experience for both you and your doctor.
11. You expect an instant cure for chronic conditions.
Managing long-term health issues often requires time and patience. Unrealistic expectations of immediate results can lead to frustration for both parties. Understanding that chronic conditions often require ongoing management can help you work more effectively with your GP on long-term health strategies.
12. You don’t bring necessary information to your appointment.
Forgetting to bring test results, medication lists, or relevant medical history wastes time and can impact the quality of care you receive. Keeping a health journal or using a health app to track your medical information can help ensure you always have important details on hand.
13. You don’t listen to or follow aftercare instructions.
Ignoring advice on how to care for yourself post-appointment can lead to repeated issues and wasted previous consultations. If you’re unsure about any instructions, it’s always better to ask for clarification during your appointment rather than disregarding the advice altogether.
14. You demand specific treatments you’ve seen advertised.
Insisting on particular medications or treatments based on advertisements, without considering your GP’s professional opinion, can be frustrating. Remember that advertisements may not take into account your specific health situation, which your doctor is much more familiar with.
15. You bring too many family members to the appointment.
While support is important, having multiple people in a small consultation room can be overwhelming and distracting. If you need someone with you for support or to help remember information, consider bringing just one person to maintain a focused consultation environment.
16. You don’t maintain basic hygiene for your appointment.
Poor personal hygiene can make physical examinations uncomfortable for doctors and may even impact their ability to assess your condition accurately. Basic cleanliness is a sign of respect for your GP and can contribute to a more effective examination and diagnosis.
17. You exaggerate symptoms to get quicker treatment.
Overstating your symptoms might seem like a way to get faster care, but it can lead to unnecessary tests and treatments, and erode trust with your GP. Providing an accurate description of your symptoms helps your doctor make the best decisions about your care and use resources efficiently.
18. You don’t disclose all the medications you’re taking.
Failing to mention over-the-counter drugs, supplements, or alternative treatments can lead to dangerous drug interactions or misdiagnosis. Keeping a current list of all substances you take, including vitamins and herbal supplements, can help ensure your GP has a complete picture of your health regimen.
19. You refuse to consider lifestyle changes as part of your treatment.
Dismissing suggestions about diet, exercise, or stress management can be frustrating for GPs who know these factors significantly impact health. Being open to discussing lifestyle modifications can often lead to more effective, holistic treatment plans that address the root causes of health issues.
20. You treat the receptionist or nurse poorly.
Being rude to other staff members creates a negative atmosphere and can indirectly affect your relationship with your GP. Remember, healthcare is a team effort. Treating all staff with respect contributes to a more positive healthcare experience and can even impact the quality of care you receive.
