Make the most of your GP

might need more time, ask for it. Liz says: “Just mention to the receptionist you’d like a double appointment and they should oblige without prying.

“Your GP will almost certainly have someone waiting, so if you don’t use all the time, someone else will be grateful and you’ll have peace of mind knowing you were properly dealt with.” million times before (and probably worse). Dr Moss says: “Your GP isn’t there to judge you. He or she is there to make you better, so be honest about everything – how many cigarettes you smoke, how much you drink or how you didn’t manage to take the whole course of drugs you were prescribed last time.

“If you want to get the right course of treatment, don’t pretend.”

And be clear about your expectations. “Ask yourself what you want your doctor to do,” Dr Moss says. “Do I want him to arrange tests, refer me to a specialist or examine me and put my mind at rest? Bad consultations are nearly always bad because the GP didn’t find out why the patient came in. If you really want to see a specialist, be courageous enough to say so upfront.” We all want to believe what doctors tell us, especially if they’re assuring us nothing’s wrong. But sometimes there remains that niggling doubt that all is not right.

“Trusting your instinct is important,” says Dr Moss. “Doctors do make mistakes and sometimes you know your body better than anyone else. As a GP I don’t take it personally if someone asks for a second opinion.”

She advises that if you’re concerned you should first talk to your GP and allow them to explain how they came to their diagnosis.

Sometimes this alone can make you feel better. If it doesn’t, ask to see another GP in the practice or to be referred to a specialist.