How to get the most from your GP appointment

Just getting a GP appointment can be a challenge for many, but once you're there, how can you make the most of your allotted time to get the health results you want?

That seems to be a struggle for many. The 2025 British Social Attitudes Survey reported a steep drop in satisfaction with GP services: just 31% were satisfied in 2024, compared to 68% in 2019.

From the 8am scramble for an appointment, to confusing online forms and the rise of telephone assessments, you might be frustrated before you even set foot inside.

Here, we break down what you can do to get the help you need, with insights and tips from real GPs across the country.

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The challenges facing GP services

Part of the reason it's harder for some people to get an appointment when they want it is rising demand. The number of patients needing care has grown sharply, while GP numbers have fallen. 

The pandemic also reshaped how surgeries operate. Telephone appointments nearly doubled between 2019 and 2024, while face-to-face consultations dropped from 81% to 66%, according to a report by the The Institute for Government (IFG).

‘Hospital waiting lists are longer, which means we’re caring for people for longer while they wait,’ says Dr Rosie Khan, a GP in Hemel Hempstead. ‘At the same time, patients have more complex issues, but the 10-minute slots haven’t changed. We’re often overrun, and patients are understandably anxious about waiting.’

The government recently announced new funding to recruit GPs, but for now, knowing how to get the most from your appointment can make a big difference. Used well, digital tools can help, too. Here’s how to get the help you need.

Tips for making the most of your GP appointment

Be strategic when booking

Most people’s top complaint is getting an appointment in the first place. Many practices release same-day slots at 8am, leading to long phone queues, known as the '8am scramble'. 

Some GP surgeries give out appointments in person, so turning up early when the doors open can be an option, but check with your surgery first so you don't waste the trip.

Others offer appointments slots from 8am on the NHS app (in England and Wales), sometimes a couple of minutes early, or hold back some slots to release later in the day to spread demand.

For non-urgent problems that don’t need a physical exam, an online form or phone appointment may be quicker. 

Many surgeries use eConsult or AccuRx for this – check your practice’s website. ‘For example, if you’ve got a persistent rash, upload a photo using eConsult,’ says Dr Rosie Khan, a GP in Hemel Hempstead. ‘And if you prefer to be seen in person, say so – patients can absolutely request that.’

Don’t overlook other professionals who can help. Many practices now have clinical pharmacists, practice nurses and physiotherapists. They can deal with things like minor illnesses, medication queries or blood pressure checks – often more quickly than a GP.

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Come prepared

GP appointments are short – usually 10 minutes is allotted – so preparation helps. If you have several concerns, jot them down in advance. That way, you and your GP can agree on what to prioritise. ‘When we focus on one issue, we can explore it properly,’ says Dr Khan. ‘Trying to cover too many things often leaves patients feeling unheard.’

Think through your symptoms: when they started, what affects them, and how they impact your life. Bring a list of medications and any recent hospital letters or test results.

In the old days, patients would always see their family doctor, who would know their history, yet the number of surgeries still offering this kind of continuity of care is declining.

This means your GP won’t necessarily be familiar with your medical history, so note down a summary of the key points.

Dr Camilla Stokholm, a GP based in Exeter, says: ‘Don’t assume your GP knows your full history from a quick glance at your notes – some information may be missing or badly coded. A brief summary of the main issues can be helpful.’

Know your ICE

One useful prep method you can use is ICE, short for: ideas, concerns, and expectations. 

It’s how GPs are trained to structure consultations, and it can help you clarify what you want from the appointment.

‘Half our job is reassurance,’ says Dr Stokholm. ‘If someone is worried they have something serious, we need to know that. Don’t save the real concern for the last minute.’

Think about what a good outcome would look like for you. Do you want reassurance, a test, or a referral? Make sure to mention this upfront and bring any hospital letters with you.

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Be open to different outcomes

With so much health advice available online these days, doctors say people often arrive convinced of a specific diagnosis or with a treatment in mind. 

‘Patient research is great, but sometimes it fuels anxiety,’ says Dr Clara Doran, a GP who worked for 20 years in Edinburgh. ‘If you’ve read something, share it – but try to stay open-minded.’

Lifestyle changes, such as managing your sleep, stress levels, exercise or diet, can be as important as prescriptions. 

‘There’s strong science showing patients have more control over their health than they realise,’ says Dr Stokholm. ‘Don’t take offence if your GP suggests non-medication options.’

If a referral is needed, your GP might first request blood tests or other checks – it’s part of the process, and they have to justify sending you onwards, too. If things can’t be resolved in one visit, ask to book a follow-up.

Be honest and specific

Clear detail leads to better care, so you should always be upfront about what’s bothering you.

Describe symptoms clearly. Instead of saying ‘I feel tired’, say, ‘I sleep for eight hours but still wake up exhausted.’ If something hurts, explain how — 'it feels like stabbing pains’ gives more information than just ‘it hurts.’

And be honest. ‘If you’re not taking your medication, drinking too much, or struggling mentally, please say so,’ says Dr Khan. ‘We’re here to help, not judge.’

Don’t be embarrassed if you cry. ‘Doctors have seen and heard everything,’ says Dr Doran. ‘We’ve all been patients, too.’

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Be polite, even if you feel frustrated

While it can be understandably frustrating if you’re unwell and have been waiting ages to be seen, be polite. ‘We’re human too,’ says Dr Stokholm. ‘People under pressure respond better to kindness.’

It will also help you to open up and make the most of your time if you’ve built a good relationship with your GP.

However, don't be afraid to speak up if you don’t feel happy – you can ask to see a different GP at your practice or register with a different one. 

For formal complaints, each surgery has a published complaints procedure – ask reception or check their website, but it may be better to try to resolve in person first if you can. 

If it isn’t resolved, you can contact your local Integrated Care Board or get help from VoiceAbility NHS Complaints Advocacy, Patient Advice and Support Service Scotland (PASS), or the Patients Association.

Take charge of your health records

Being proactive about your health starts with having access to your medical information. Whether you’re chasing test results or managing multiple medications, keeping track of your records can make GP appointments more effective — and save time and stress.

The arrival of the free NHS App marks a massive change in how patients interact with their health data. 

Using the app, you can view test results and vaccinations, order prescriptions, see consultation notes and hospital letters (if your practice has enabled access), and manage appointments.

If you prefer, you can also access these services via the NHS website. 

All patients in the UK have the legal right to access their medical records; however, in practice, what you can view online varies depending on your GP surgery’s system and settings. You may not be able to see historic information without requesting it specifically.

Some practices also use Patient Access, myGP or SystmOnline. These offer similar features, but the NHS App is more widely supported and will likely become the default tool for accessing NHS digital services in the future.

Tips for phone or video appointments

Phone or online consultations can be convenient, especially if you’re less mobile, working or looking after children. But they can also feel rushed and are often shorter than face-to-face appointments.

To get the best from your phone or video appointment, choose a quiet, private place where you can speak freely, and, as you would for an in-person appointment, write down what you want to discuss in advance. 

If you feel you weren’t heard or need an exam, ask for a face-to-face follow-up. 

Trusted health websites that GPs recommend

If you want to find out more info about a condition or check health symptoms, these are the trusted sources of medical info the GPs we spoke to recommend:

• Patient.info – A comprehensive site which offers user-friendly advice and information on conditions, medications, and procedures - all approved by clinicians.
• NHS.uk – The NHS website covers symptoms, conditions, treatments, and when to seek help and all the content is backed by peer-reviewed studies.
• NICE – The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence assesses what drugs, devices, and procedures should be available on the NHS, so patients can check whether a new drug is approved for use and whether their care is in line with best practice.
• Cancer Research UK – Provides clear, compassionate explanations of cancer types, screening tests, treatments, and side effects, with evidence-based updates.
• Healthtalk.org – Offers real patient stories on everything from mental health to chronic illness – helpful for understanding the lived experience behind a diagnosis.

Be vigilant about what online information and advice you use, and remember AI summaries are notoriously inaccurate, so never take them as fact without checking trusted sources as well.

Be especially wary of ads pushing 'miracle cures' or supplements at you, too, especially on social media channels. We've uncovered lots of dodgy health scams doing the rounds, often with fake endorsements from high-profile health professionals. 

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Our GP appointments research

For this article, freelance health and food writer Laurel Ives interviewed real GPs who shared their insights on how patients can get the best out of their appointments, including:

• Dr Rosie Khan – GP and certified practitioner in lifestyle medicine for perimenopause
• Dr Camilla Stokholm – GP and author of What Your Doctor Eats
• Dr Clara Doran – GP and author of Heads Up