General practitioners are the first people you encounter when seeking help in the healthcare system. A general practitioner (GP) has training in medicine and is qualified to treat people with illnesses, injuries and symptoms of various diseases. Most of these injuries are the ones you cannot treat by buying over-the-counter medications. Here are a few tips to follow when seeing a GP.
Appointments
There are different ways you can book an appointment with your GP. You can book the appointment on the website or call or email the GP to request an appointment. During the conversation, ensure the GP knows whether you are a new patient or not. You can also explain the extent of your injuries, sickness or symptoms to ensure the GP sees you on the same day.
The call, email or booking details should also include the name of your insurance provider. These details help the GP advise you regarding the type of payment methods available. You can also enquire whether the GP needs medical records or samples during the consultation. Such information helps you prepare for a fruitful doctor's appointment.
Preparation
Most GPs today recognise the value of patient-centred care. This approach means that the GP treats you with dignity and respect and considers you an equal participant in your treatment. The GP might also involve close relatives and people who know your physical and mental health and experiences. Therefore, ensure you are ready to give your input in your treatment.
The best way to prepare is to write notes regarding your symptoms and when you started experiencing them. You may also write a list of essential questions the GP should clarify. Ensure you write down the list of medications, allergies and results of previous tests. You may also discuss this with a support person and let them accompany you to the appointment.
Honesty And Obedience
Doctors only treat the issues that they detect, so answer all questions honestly and add as much necessary information as possible. For example, the doctor might not know that your loss of appetite is due to lead poisoning at work. Therefore, volunteer as many details about your life as possible. This information is crucial in designing a treatment plan without wasting time.
Your obedience also determines clinical outcomes. For example, you can follow the prescription as instructed and help the doctor monitor your body's response to their recommended treatment. If you defy these instructions, the doctor has no relevant data to create a new treatment plan or adjust your current one. Therefore, always adhere to instructions from the GP.
Ensure you book an appointment before seeing a GP unless it is an emergency. You can also prepare yourself to make yourself resourceful during the appointment. In addition, be honest and obedient the entire time.
