How to prepare for a doctor or GP appointment

A doctor or GP appointment is often short — sometimes only ten minutes. Going in prepared helps you use that time well, and helps the person seeing you understand what matters most.

Before the appointment

• Write down the top three things you want to discuss. Put the most important first, in case time is short.
• Note when the problem started and what makes it better or worse.
• Bring an up-to-date medication list.
• Bring recent letters, results or discharge notes that relate to the visit.
• If you are helping a parent, agree together what they want to raise.

During the appointment

It is fine to ask the doctor to slow down, to repeat something, or to explain a word you do not know. Short notes as you go are easier than trying to remember everything afterwards.

• Say what you are most worried about, early on.
• Write down any medicine name, dose or instruction.
• Ask what the next step is: a test, a change, a review, or wait and see.

After the appointment

1. Add any new medicine or change to your medication list the same day.
2. Save any letter or result somewhere you can find it later.
3. Note the date of any follow-up or test.