Getting the best from your GP visit

Your Top Mechanic

• Find a GP who suits you: The local health board clinic keeps a list of some GPs in the area. The Golden Pages should also have a list. But asking your mates can be the best way to find your kind of doctor.
• Write down your symptoms before you see your doctor: It’s easy to forget the most important things during a visit to the doctor. Doctors home-in on important clues. When did it start? How did it feel? Did anyone else suffer as well? Did this ever happen before? What have you done about it so far? Are you on any medicines at present? If you make a list before you go, you’ll have all the answers for your doctor.
• Be realistic: If you come in to your doctor armed with a list of complaints as long as your arm, don’t expect to get everything sorted in one visit. With an average of 10 minutes per visit you may be invited back to get through all your concerns.

• It’s easy to forget the most important things during a visit to the doctor. If you make a list before you go, you’ll have all the answers for your doctor.

  Arrive informed: Check out the Web for information before you go to the surgery. There are thousands of sites on health, men’s health and cancer. Remember that some information on the Web is not accurate, so visit websites with a good reputation or an HON sign, which means they follow rules for presenting health information online. We recommend: www.cancer.ie or www.malehealth.co.uk for up-to-date, accurate and unbiased information, click here for a full list of websites. The Irish Cancer Society also has a helpline where you can get information, confidential advice or support from health professionals. The
  service is also available by e-mail at helpline@irishcancer.ie
• Ask questions: If a mechanic stuck his head into the bonnet of your car, you would most certainly want to know what he planned to do. Your doctor is about to lift the bonnet on your body – don’t be afraid to ask why and what he plans to do.
• Don't beat about the bush: If you have a lump on your balls say so! With a short consultation time there is a real danger of coming out with a prescription for a sore nose.

• HINT! Your community pharmacist can also be a great source of information. They can help with your healthcare questions and advise on medicines. So get the best from your pharmacist too – they’d be happy to help!

  Listen to what they say: If you don't understand, say so. It helps if they write down the important points. Most people pick up less than half of what their doctor has told them.
• If you want a second opinion say so: Ask for a consultant appointment if you want a second opinion. But remember, your GP is a person with feelings and not a computer. Compliment your doctor for helping you. Then explain why you want a second opinion.
• Trust your doctor: But remember, there is a difference between trust and blind faith. Your health is a partnership between you and your doctor - but it’s your body.
• Don't be afraid to ask to see your notes: Some doctors now show their patients what they are writing. Unfortunately, doctor's language can be
  difficult to understand. Latin and Greek are still in use although less so now. They also use abbreviations in your notes. So ask for explanations. e.g. TATT – Tired all the time, DNA – Did not attend, FU2 – you insulted him!