Looking for Dr Right how to find a good GP
June 16, 2014
We take a lot of calls on our advice line, StrokeLine, about health issues after a stroke. Sometimes when we ask callers if they have discussed their issue with their general practitioner, there’s a long pause and then they answer “Well…”
Having a good GP is important – it is very difficult to manage your general health, let alone your post-stroke health, without one. It may be time to find a new GP if you don’t feel comfortable talking to them or if you feel like they’re not really listening. If you often find you don’t understand the advice your GP gives you, it’s definitely time to think about moving on.
Asking neighbours, friends and family for a recommendation is still the best way to go when you’re looking for a new GP. There are also websites such as healthengine that can help. Check out things such as the GP’s location, charges, after hours and visiting services. From there, it’s okay to try out a few different GPs before making a commitment. It might also be as simple as switching GPs in the same practice.
How will you know you’ve found Dr Right? Number one, they’ll be a good listener. They’ll also explain things clearly, especially when it comes to the different options and why they recommend a particular treatment or course of action. They’ll provide you with information about other services and supports that may be able to help you. You’ll be confident that they want to work with you to manage your health and make sure you’re as well as possible.
When you live in a small town or even on the suburban fringe, choice can be limited. Make sure you get the most out of your GP visit:
• Take a list of symptoms and questions with you, along with a pen and paper to write things down. If it’s more serious, and you have someone kind enough to go in with you, that’s even better.
• Be realistic about what you can get through in a standard consultation time and book a longer visit if needed.
• Plan to tackle the most important issues first and let your GP know about everything you want to discuss at the start of the visit. GP’s often talk about the ‘doorknob moment’: asking the most important question when your hand is on the doorknob as you leave. Whatever the problem is, remember your GP has heard it many times before.
At the end of your visit, you should understand what might be wrong and if you need any further tests or treatment. You should also be clear about what happens next and what you need to do.
So please, get out there and find Dr Right before it’s too late.
Having a good GP is important – it is very difficult to manage your general health, let alone your post-stroke health, without one. It may be time to find a new GP if you don’t feel comfortable talking to them or if you feel like they’re not really listening. If you often find you don’t understand the advice your GP gives you, it’s definitely time to think about moving on.
Asking neighbours, friends and family for a recommendation is still the best way to go when you’re looking for a new GP. There are also websites such as healthengine that can help. Check out things such as the GP’s location, charges, after hours and visiting services. From there, it’s okay to try out a few different GPs before making a commitment. It might also be as simple as switching GPs in the same practice.
How will you know you’ve found Dr Right? Number one, they’ll be a good listener. They’ll also explain things clearly, especially when it comes to the different options and why they recommend a particular treatment or course of action. They’ll provide you with information about other services and supports that may be able to help you. You’ll be confident that they want to work with you to manage your health and make sure you’re as well as possible.
When you live in a small town or even on the suburban fringe, choice can be limited. Make sure you get the most out of your GP visit:
• Take a list of symptoms and questions with you, along with a pen and paper to write things down. If it’s more serious, and you have someone kind enough to go in with you, that’s even better.
• Be realistic about what you can get through in a standard consultation time and book a longer visit if needed.
• Plan to tackle the most important issues first and let your GP know about everything you want to discuss at the start of the visit. GP’s often talk about the ‘doorknob moment’: asking the most important question when your hand is on the doorknob as you leave. Whatever the problem is, remember your GP has heard it many times before.
At the end of your visit, you should understand what might be wrong and if you need any further tests or treatment. You should also be clear about what happens next and what you need to do.
So please, get out there and find Dr Right before it’s too late.