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 what you want to talk about before you see your doctor: It’s easy to forget the most important things during a visit. Doctors hone-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 many of the answers for your doctor.
• Be realistic: If you have a list of complaints as long as your arm don’t expect to get everything sorted in one visit. You may be invited back to go through issues you didn’t get a chance to talk about at another time.

• 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: There are thousands of web sites on health, men’s health and cancer. It is a good idea to search for information on the topic in question on-line. However remember that some information on the Web can not be trusted to be free of mistakes. For this reason it is important to visit websites with a good reputation. Check the list of websites we feel are trustworthy:
  Additional Useful Links

• 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!

  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 the plan is.
• 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.
• Listen to what they say: Most people pick up less than half of what their doctor has told them during a visit. It can help if you write down the important points you have talked about. Don’t forget that if you don't understand, say so.
• If you want a second opinion say so: Ask for a consultant appointment if you want a second opinion. 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!