In this article we will describe how to get seen faster by a GP.
Call up as soon as the appointments line becomes free. Be prepared to wait in a queue and be prepared to explain why you need to see someone, and soon.
It’s important to express the urgency of the problem, and that your symptoms are getting worse. Describing symptoms – especially red flag symptoms – that get the receptionists and GPs attention helps.
Many GP practices now have online services, and these can help you avoid the queues.
NHS111 is a free number that allows you to speak to a health professional, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. They can arrange an emergency face-to-face appointment with a GP.
These are especially important if you think you are ill, but not that ill, and need to be examined:
They are very good out of hours, as most open 7 days a week, 8am-8pm. Check where it is and its opening hours before you go.
They may be ‘better’ than a GP for your problem. Here are examples.
Other advice
Note. You can refer yourself to many of these health professionals, without going through your GP. You can either contact them directly (by phone, or on GP surgery website) or via the receptionist at the GP surgery.
You’ve got limited time with your GP – make sure you’re making the most of it. That means making notes about what you want to cover, what your symptoms are, and what options you want to explore.
Since the pandemic, health and wellbeing have been high on workplace agendas, and many organisations have invested in online GP services. If you are having trouble talking to your own GP, or if it’s out of hours, it’s time to make sure you are using that benefit, and making the appointment you need on your own schedule.
We have explained how to get seen faster by a GP (5 ways). We hope it has helped you.