How to Get the Most From Your GP Visit
Visiting your GP can sometimes feel rushed – but with a little preparation, you can make sure you leave the clinic feeling confident, informed, and well looked after. Whether you’re seeing the GP for a check-up, managing a chronic condition, or following up on a concern, here are best practices and key questions that can help you get the most out of your appointment.
Why preparation matters
Every patient’s health is unique, and general practitioners (GPs) are trained to deliver care tailored to your needs. But time constraints, complex medical issues, and patient stress can affect how much is achieved during a visit. Being prepared helps you:
- Make sure your concerns are addressed
- Improve communication and trust
- Maximise the benefit of your time with the doctor
- Potentially reduce follow-ups, tests or delays
Before the appointment - steps to take
Gather relevant health information
Bring together what your GP will need to know:
- A list of current medications, supplements, dosages
- Family medical history (e.g. heart disease, diabetes, mental health conditions)
- Any recent test results, hospital or specialist reports
- A diary of symptoms: when they happen, how severe, what seems to trigger or relieve them
Define your priorities
It helps to think what you most want out of the visit:
- Is it getting an accurate diagnosis?
- Managing pain or symptoms?
- Checking up on a chronic condition (e.g. diabetes, asthma) or monitoring new changes?
- Preventive health (screening, vaccinations)?
Write down questions ahead of time
Having questions ready means you won’t forget in the moment. See section below for suggested questions.
Questions to ask during the visit
These are useful prompts to guide your conversation and ensure you leave with clarity.
| Area | Sample Questions |
| Diagnosis / Symptoms | What might be causing these symptoms?Are there test(s) that can help confirm the diagnosis? |
| Treatment options | What are the treatment choices? Pros & cons of each?What are possible side-effects? |
| Lifestyle / Prevention | Are there changes I should make – diet, exercise, sleep – to support my health?Which screenings or check-ups do I need given my age/family history? |
| Medications | Do I still need this medication?Are there interactions with what I’m currently taking?What happens if I miss a dose? |
| Follow-up care | When should I return for a follow-up?What warning signs should prompt me to seek help sooner?How can I access my test results or health record? |
During the appointment - communication tips
- Be honest and clear. Don’t underplay symptoms or over-report; both matter.
- If something is confusing, ask the GP to explain it in simpler terms.
- Ask whether you can take notes or record key points.
- Check that you understand the next steps – when to follow up, what treatment to try, any referrals.
After the visit - follow-through
- Stick to your treatment plan and schedule follow-ups.
- If you’ve been given tasks – e.g. lifestyle changes or new medications – set reminders.
- If you don’t feel better or new symptoms arise, reach out sooner rather than waiting.
- Keep your health record updated: vaccines, new diagnoses, meds.
The bigger picture - challenges & future trends in general practice
To understand what you might face when visiting a GP now (or in coming years), it’s helpful to know some of the broader shifts happening in Australian general practice:
- Workforce pressures: Australia is expecting a shortfall of full-time equivalent GPs over the next decade. Supporting, training, and retaining GPs is a national priority.
- Training & support improvements: Programs are being expanded (e.g. more GP training places) to address supply challenges.
- Evolving funding & models of care: Changes to Medicare, more focus on preventive care, longer consultations and mental health services are being emphasised.
Knowing these changes can help you advocate for quality care (e.g. asking for longer consults or mental health support) when needed.
Preparing specific questions by visit type
Here are tailored questions depending on why you’re seeing the GP.
| Visit Type | Questions to Consider |
| Annual or wellness check-up | Am I up to date on vaccinations and screenings?Any risks based on my family history?What preventive strategies are right for me now? |
| New or concerning symptoms | Could this be serious?What tests do you recommend and why?What treatments should I start while we wait for results? |
| Chronic condition follow-up | Is my management plan still appropriate?Do I need new tests or check-ins?Any new treatments or lifestyle modifications to consider? |
What to expect - your rights & what good care looks like
A quality GP visit should include:
- Respectful, person-centred care
- Clear explanation of conditions, treatment benefits & risks
- Discussion of all reasonable options, allowing you to make informed decisions
- Safe care, with confidentiality and accurate records
- Support with access: referrals, follow up, navigating costs
If any of these feel missing, it’s okay to raise concerns with your GP or their practice team.
Disclaimer:
The information provided in this blog is for general educational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional diagnosis, treatment, or care. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional with any questions you may have regarding your health or medical condition.
