How do I ask my GP for an appointment?
These days there are several different types of GP appointment. We will go through them, so you can decide which is most suitable for the current problem.
It feels like an emergency
This means that your symptoms are life threatening. GPs do not deal with emergency cases. And you should dial 999, or go to your nearest A&E.
I need see a GP urgently
This type of appointment is for patients who have symptoms that are likely to worsen if not treated the same day and/or your symptoms prevent you from functioning normally.
If no appointments are available, please tell your GP’s receptionist that you need to be seen today and they will ask you to describe your symptoms – so they can be passed on to a GP who will prioritise your call against other urgent requests received that day.
If needed, they will see you face-t0-face (F2F) on that day.
I would like a routine appointment
These appointments are for any other need you have to see a GP. Most GP appointments can be booked up to 2 weeks in advance.
Online booking
GP appointments can be booked via an online booking service in most GP practices.
I would like to speak to a GP on the phone
This type of appointment can be used where you have a symptom or query that does not need the GP to examine you before he/she can make a decision about your treatment.
Examples of such queries include:
- Medication reviews or queries
- Blood results (allow one week), ultrasound, CT or x-ray results (allow two weeks)
- Follow up advice (if previously advised by GP)
- Fit note continuation (if previously agreed by GP)
- Minor ailments.
E-consults
These appointments are available to patients in most GP practices. You can request a sick note, or consult with your GP with other minor ailments. The practice should contact you within 48 hours with an appointment.
I need a home visit
This type of appointment is ONLY for housebound patients who are unable to attend a GP surgery because of their medical condition.
The receptionist will ask you to describe your symptoms/condition, so that they can be passed on to the doctor. They can assess whether a home visit is necessary.
I have got a form for the GP to complete / I would like the GP to write a letter
Unless the GP requests otherwise, you do not need to see the GP for this – you can simply explain your request to reception.
There will be a charge for any non-NHS work involved; and the receptionist can tell you how much that charge will be, and how long your form/letter is likely to take to complete.
Double (or triple) appointments
You can get double (or even triple) appointments (20 or 30 minutes). You need to ask for them. These may be needed if you have more than one problem, or it is complex, or you have more than one question.
Summary
We have described ‘how do I ask my GP for an appointment?’ We hope you understand the options better now.
