How to Prepare for Your Private GP Appointment
A private GP appointment costs money. Preparation ensures you get maximum value from that investment.
This guide walks you through everything you need to know before, during, and after your consultation.
Before Your Appointment
The most important preparation happens before you arrive.
Write down your symptoms. When did they start. How have they changed. What makes them better or worse. How severe are they on a scale of one to ten. How are they affecting your daily life.
Doctors rely on history more than anything else. A clear, chronological description of your symptoms often points directly to the diagnosis. Vague or jumbled information makes accurate assessment harder.
List your current medications. Include prescription medications, over the counter drugs, supplements, and herbal remedies. Dose and frequency for each. How long you have been taking them.
Medication interactions and side effects cause more problems than most people realise. Your doctor needs the complete picture.
Note your medical history. Previous diagnoses. Operations. Hospital admissions. Ongoing conditions. Allergies to medications.
If you have a complex history, bring previous clinic letters or test results. These save time and ensure important details are not missed.
Prepare your questions. What do you want to know. What would reassure you. What decisions do you need help with.
Write these down. Anxiety during appointments often causes people to forget what they wanted to ask. A written list ensures nothing gets missed.
Booking soon? WhatsApp us with any questions about preparing
What to Bring
Photo identification helps us confirm your identity, especially for first visits.
Your medication list or the medications themselves.
Any relevant previous results or letters.
Your written symptom description and questions.
Payment method. We accept all major cards.
Insurance details if you plan to claim.
Arriving at the Clinic
Arrive five to ten minutes before your scheduled time. This allows for check in and completing any forms without eating into your consultation time.
Our Marylebone clinic is at 10 Portman Square. Marble Arch tube station is a five minute walk. Street parking and nearby car parks are available.
Reception will greet you and show you to a comfortable waiting area. Private clinics run to schedule so your wait should be brief.
The Consultation Itself
Your doctor will come to greet you and introduce themselves. They will invite you to the consultation room and ensure you are comfortable before starting.
Opening conversation establishes what brings you in today. This is your opportunity to describe your concerns in your own words without interruption.
Take your time. Do not feel rushed. Cover everything you want to mention. If you have notes, use them.
The doctor will then ask focused questions to clarify details. These questions help narrow down possibilities and guide the examination.
Physical examination follows if appropriate. The doctor will explain what they want to examine and why. You can have a chaperone present for any examination if you prefer.
We have proper equipment for thorough clinical assessment. This might include checking blood pressure, pulse, temperature, oxygen levels, examining your ears and throat, listening to your chest and heart, feeling your abdomen, assessing your skin, or examining joints and muscles.
After examining you, the doctor will explain their findings. What they think is happening. What they are confident about. What they are less certain about. What different possibilities exist.
This is collaborative. Ask questions. Seek clarification. Make sure you understand.
Discussion and Planning
Based on assessment, you and your doctor discuss next steps together.
This might be reassurance. Many consultations end with confirmation that nothing serious is wrong and advice on managing symptoms. This is a valid and valuable outcome.
It might involve lifestyle advice. Changes to diet, exercise, sleep, stress management, or other factors that affect health.
Medication might be appropriate. The doctor will explain what they recommend, why, how to take it, what side effects to watch for, and how long to continue.
Further investigation might be needed. Blood tests, imaging, or specialist referral. The doctor will explain what they want to find out and what the process involves.
Follow up might be arranged. A review appointment to check progress, discuss results, or reassess if initial treatment is not working.
After Your Appointment
You will receive a written summary of your consultation by email. This includes the key findings, any diagnoses made, the treatment plan, and follow up arrangements.
Prescriptions are sent electronically to your preferred pharmacy or provided as paper prescriptions you can take anywhere.
If blood tests were arranged, instructions on timing and fasting requirements are provided.
If referrals were made, you will receive confirmation of what was sent and to whom.
Follow Up Communication
Questions often arise after appointments. Something you forgot to ask. Something you want clarified. A symptom that has changed.
You can contact us with follow up questions without needing another full consultation for minor queries. This ongoing access is part of the service.
If your condition changes significantly or new symptoms develop, book a follow up appointment for proper reassessment.
Getting Maximum Value
Be honest. Withholding information because of embarrassment or fear wastes your money and risks incorrect conclusions. Your doctor has heard everything before and is not there to judge you.
Be specific. Vague descriptions like "I feel unwell" are much less helpful than specific descriptions like "I have had a dull ache in my right side for three weeks that gets worse after eating fatty food."
Ask until you understand. If medical terminology confuses you, ask for plain English. If you do not understand why something is recommended, ask for the reasoning. Understanding improves adherence and outcomes.
Be open about concerns. If you are worried about a specific condition, say so. If you read something online that scared you, mention it. Addressing fears directly is more effective than dancing around them.
Follow through. Tests, lifestyle changes, and medications are recommended for reasons. Following through on the plan gives you the best chance of improvement. Coming back saying you did not do any of the recommended things wastes everyone's time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I have multiple issues to discuss?
Our 30 minute consultations accommodate multiple concerns. List them at the start so your doctor can allocate time appropriately. For particularly complex situations, book an extended consultation.
Can I bring someone with me?
Absolutely. Partners, family members, or friends are welcome. Having support can help you remember information and feel more comfortable.
What if I need to undress for examination?
The doctor will explain what they need to examine and why. You can request a chaperone. Only necessary areas will be examined and your dignity is always preserved.
What if I disagree with the recommendation?
Medical advice is not compulsory. Discuss your concerns. Ask about alternatives. Ultimately the decision about your health is yours to make.