1. Go In The Morning
You say: “I really need to see a doctor before lunch.”
Why? Because, like everyone else, GPs are at their sharpest in the morning. “Avoid afternoons because if things are overrunning, your GP will be pressured to get through patients quicker,” says Dr Sarah Jarvis, London-based GP and Fellow of the Royal College of General Practitioners (UK). “Book your appointment after lunch the previous day.”
2. Say What You Can’t Do
You say: “And I’m having trouble picking my nose now…”
Why? If you used to be able to jog home but can barely crawl now, say so. “If you’ve had to alter your lifestyle, knowing that will quickly add to your doctor’s understanding of your problem and its urgency,” says Dr Cam Patterson of the University of North Carolina. This doesn’t include your DIY or IT problems.
3. Keep It Simple
You say: “It’s just the one thing…”
Why? The average GP has just seven minutes with each patient. “Men will often turn up with a list of ailments, and often have a “doorknob” one too,” says GP Dr Ayan Panja. “This is where they’re just leaving and they say ‘Actually, doc, there’s something else…’” Hearing you’ve only got one problem is music to your doctor’s ears.
4. Bring Your Diary
You say: “Faint on Monday, temperature on Tuesday, vomiting on Wednesday.”
Why? “Listing the exact timing and duration of your symptoms can make a huge difference for a GP deciding what treatments to administer,” says Dr Panja. “This is especially true of a fever since there’s a chance it may have run its course.”
5. Rate Your Symptoms
You say: “Maybe a six out of 10…”
Why? Help the doctor feel your pain – without hitting him. “Giving your pain a severity score provides your doctor with a more accurate idea of how it feels,” says Dr Jarvis. “We also like a bit of descriptive prose when it comes to pain – so is it a burning, stabbing or dull aching pain?” If the pain goes to 11, it’s still not okay to hit him.
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