Going to the GP is supposed to be a chance to address health concerns, get advice, and feel reassured.
But sometimes, it feels more like a race against the clock, leaving you wondering if you were really listened to at all. A rushed appointment can mean important details get ignored, symptoms aren’t properly investigated, and you walk away feeling dismissed. If you’ve ever left your GP’s office feeling like you barely had time to speak, here are some subtle signs your doctor is basically pushing you out the door — and how to handle it.
1. They don’t make eye contact.
One of the clearest signs that a GP is in a hurry is when they barely look up from their screen or notes. Instead of engaging with you properly, they seem focused on typing, glancing at the clock, or shuffling through paperwork.
Eye contact is important because it shows they’re actively listening. If your doctor is more interested in the computer than in what you’re saying, it can make you feel like your concerns don’t matter. If this happens, pause your speech until they look at you, or say, “I want to make sure I have your full attention for a moment.”
2. They cut you off mid-sentence.
GPs are under time pressure, especially those that work in the NHS, but that doesn’t mean they should be interrupting you before you’ve even finished explaining your symptoms. If they consistently talk over you or try to pre-empt what you’re saying, it’s a sign they’re more focused on moving things along than on fully understanding your concerns.
If this happens, calmly say, “I just want to finish explaining this before we move on.” It’s a polite but firm way to make sure you’re heard before they rush to conclusions.
3. They seem to have already decided what’s wrong.
Some doctors make up their minds within the first few sentences you say, barely listening before jumping to a diagnosis. If they dismiss what you’re saying or don’t ask follow-up questions, it could mean they’re rushing to get through the appointment. They don’t even give you a chance to fully explain what you’re experiencing, which can be incredibly frustrating, even if they ultimately end up being right.
To make sure you feel heard, ask, “Can we go over a couple of other possibilities? I want to make sure nothing’s being missed.” It encourages them to take a second look rather than just giving you the quickest answer.
4. They barely explain your treatment options.
If your GP simply hands you a prescription or gives vague instructions without explaining why, they’re likely trying to get through the appointment quickly. A good doctor should walk you through the reasoning behind their recommendations and make sure you understand your options.
If they’re brushing past details, don’t be afraid to ask, “Can you explain why you’re recommending this?” or “Are there any alternative treatments?” It sends the message that you expect a proper explanation rather than just being sent on your way.
5. You feel like you’re being moved along too quickly.
Sometimes, you just know when you’re being rushed. Your GP might stand up before you’ve finished talking, glance at the door, or keep checking the time. If they seem impatient to wrap things up, it’s a clear sign they’re trying to speed through the appointment.
To slow things down, you can say, “I still have a couple of concerns I’d like to discuss before we finish.” It reminds them that the appointment isn’t over just because they’ve decided it is (though unfortunately, you do only get a 10-minute block of time to explain everything).
6. They don’t let you ask questions.
At the end of the appointment, a good doctor should ask, “Do you have any other concerns?” If yours never gives you the chance or brushes off your questions, it’s a sign they’re focused on moving to the next patient rather than ensuring you leave with all the information you need.
To make sure you get your questions in, say, “I have a couple of things I’d like to clarify before I go.” This makes it clear that you’re not leaving without getting the information you need.
7. They dismiss your concerns without much discussion.
If your GP quickly says, “It’s nothing to worry about,” without properly explaining why, they might be trying to move the appointment along. While some things may not be serious, you deserve a proper explanation so you don’t leave feeling uncertain.
If they dismiss something too quickly, push back by saying, “Can you explain why you’re confident this isn’t an issue?” This forces them to slow down and actually justify their reasoning.
8. They suggest a follow-up appointment just to move things along.
Sometimes, GPs suggest a follow-up not because it’s medically necessary, but because they want to end the conversation. If you feel like they’re pushing you out the door without addressing your concerns properly, this could be why.
If they suggest a follow-up without giving you a solid plan for what happens next, ask, “What should I be looking out for between now and then?” or “Is there anything else we can address today?” This helps ensure you’re not just being put off for another rushed appointment.
9. They generalise rather than addressing your specific case.
If your GP says things like, “This is common” or “It happens to a lot of people,” without actually addressing your individual concerns, they might be rushing through the appointment. While general trends in medicine are useful, you need to know how they apply to you specifically.
If they brush you off with a generalisation, ask, “How does this specifically apply to my case?” It encourages them to focus on your situation instead of giving you a generic answer.
10. They only focus on one symptom and ignore the rest.
If you bring up multiple symptoms, and they only acknowledge one, they might be trying to simplify the appointment so they can move on quickly. While some symptoms may be unrelated, they shouldn’t be dismissed without proper discussion.
If this happens, say, “I understand that might not be connected, but could we still go over it quickly?” This keeps them from shutting down the conversation too soon.
11. They don’t acknowledge your past medical history.
Your history matters, and a GP should take it into account when discussing your concerns. If they don’t ask about previous conditions, past treatments, or how long something has been an issue, they may not be giving your case enough attention.
If they skip over this, you can say, “Would my past medical history change how you approach this?” This helps them slow down and factor in the bigger picture.
12. They seem more focused on ending the appointment than solving your problem.
If your doctor is wrapping things up while you still have concerns, their priority might be getting through their patient list rather than fully addressing your needs. You shouldn’t feel like you’re being pushed out before you’ve had the chance to cover everything properly.
To stop this, try saying, “Before I leave, I just want to make sure I fully understand my next steps.” This forces them to clarify their advice and ensure you have a plan moving forward.
13. They don’t check if you understood everything.
A rushed GP might throw out a lot of information quickly, assuming you’ve taken it all in without making sure you actually understood. If they don’t pause to confirm you’re clear on what to do next, they’re likely moving too fast.
If this happens, take control by saying, “Can you summarise the key points for me before I go?” This way, you can ensure that you leave with clear instructions.
14. You leave feeling dismissed or unsure.
If you consistently walk out of your GP appointments feeling like you weren’t really listened to, it’s a big sign that they’re rushing. You should never feel like your health concerns were brushed aside or that you need another appointment just to get basic answers.
If this happens regularly, it may be worth considering a different doctor. You can also bring it up by saying, “I often feel like we don’t have enough time to go through everything properly — how can we make sure my concerns are fully addressed?” A good doctor will listen and adjust; a rushed one will dismiss you again.
