Visits to the surgery are free, but you'll usually need to make an appointment. Before you make an appointment to see your GP, consider the alternatives. Your local pharmacist may be able to give you the help you need, so you won't have to spend time waiting for an appointment. Pharmacists are highly trained health professionals, and may offer a wider range of health services than you might think. Read about the services that pharmacists provide.
You can still phone the GP practice outside normal surgery hours, but you'll usually be directed to an out-of-hours service if there is one. Alternatively, you can call NHS 111 if you urgently need medical help or advice but it's not a life-threatening situation. You can also call NHS 111 if you're not sure which NHS service you need.
How to make a booking
Your surgery should be able to offer you an appointment to see a GP or other healthcare professional quickly, if necessary. However, if it is more convenient, you should also be able to book appointments in advance. For more help, read: How quickly can I see a GP?
Patients in some areas can now get appointments with a GP or other healthcare professional in the evening and at the weekend, either at their own GP surgery or in a local general practice hub. Ask your surgery receptionist if this is available in your area.
For routine appointments, you may be able to book online. Many GPs now offer online services, which allow you to book/cancel your appointment or order a repeat prescription. Some surgeries are also introducing new ways to consult a GP or other healthcare professional, including online or over the phone. Check with the receptionist or practice manager for more details.
If you don't feel confident using the internet, read how to become a confident internet user.
You have the legal right to ask to see a particular doctor or nurse at the GP practice. For more information, see: Can I choose to see a male or female GP?
Make the most of your appointment
GPs spend an average of 8-10 minutes with each patient. Once you've got an appointment, plan ahead to make sure you cover everything you want to discuss.
Before you see the GP, write a list of problems, starting with the most important. List your symptoms, so you don’t forget them. Write down when they started and what makes them better or worse during a 24-hour period. If you have a complicated problem, ask for a longer appointment when you book.
You can bring a friend or relative if you're worried.
Be honest about what you think may be causing the problem, and don’t be embarrassed. Your doctor will have seen and heard it all before.
Be clear about what you want the GP to do, such as refer you to a specialist or prescribe a different medication. Be assertive if you need to, but always be polite. For more information, read about the specialist referrals and services your GP may recommend.
Ask the GP to repeat and explain anything you don’t understand. If there are words you don’t understand, ask what they mean or get the doctor to write them down, so you can look them up later.
If you and your GP decide you need to be referred for specialist tests or treatment, you usually have a right to choose which hospital and/or consultant led-team you go to.
You may also find the sections on What to ask the doctor and Can I speak to a GP about someone else’s health of interest.
Your health, your choices