Preparing for your appointment

GP appointments can feel short, especially when you have more than one concern. Preparing beforehand helps you explain what's happening, remember your questions and understand the plan when you leave.

This is general information, not medical advice. In an emergency, call Triple Zero (000).

What to bring

• Your Medicare card (or DVA card), and any concession or health care card.
• A list of all your medicines, including prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, herbal remedies and supplements. healthdirect recommends bringing a list of all medicines you take. Include the dose and how often you take them.
• Your questions, written down in order of importance.
• Relevant documents, such as recent test results, letters from specialists or hospital discharge summaries.
• Any readings or diaries you've been keeping, such as blood pressure readings or a symptom diary.
• Glasses or hearing aids, if you use them.

Our visit planner builds a printable list based on the type of appointment.

Describing your symptoms

It helps to think about these questions before your appointment:

• When did it start? Did it come on suddenly or gradually?
• Where is it, and does it spread anywhere?
• What does it feel like?
• How often does it happen and how long does it last?
• What makes it better or worse?
• Have you tried anything for it?
• Is it affecting your sleep, work, eating or daily life?

Be honest and specific, even if a topic feels embarrassing. GPs talk about all kinds of health concerns every day.

Prioritise

If you have several concerns, put the most important one first and tell the GP at the start that you have more than one thing to discuss. That way the GP can plan the time, or suggest a follow-up appointment. If you know you have a lot to cover, book a long appointment.

Questions to ask

healthdirect's free online Question Builder helps you prepare questions. Common questions include:

• What do you think is causing this?
• Do I need any tests? What are they for, and when will I get the results?
• What are my treatment options, and what are the benefits and risks of each?
• What happens if I don't have treatment?
• Are there side effects I should watch for?
• What should I do if it doesn't get better or gets worse?
• When should I come back?
• How much will this cost, and is there a cheaper option?

Bring someone with you

A family member, friend or carer can provide support, help you remember information and ask questions you might not think of. If you need an interpreter, ask the practice to arrange one when you book.

During the appointment

• Take notes or ask the GP to write down key information.
• If you don't understand something, ask the GP to explain it again in a different way.
• Repeat back the plan in your own words to check you've understood.
• Ask where you can find reliable information about your condition.

The Australian Charter of Healthcare Rights says you have a right to receive information about your care in a way you understand, and to be involved in decisions.

Before you leave

Make sure you know:

• what the plan is;
• whether you need tests, a referral, a prescription or a follow-up appointment;
• how you'll get results;
• what warning signs mean you should seek help sooner.

After the appointment

• Book any follow-up appointments or tests.
• Fill any prescriptions and follow the instructions.
• Keep your notes with your health records.
• If you think of a question later, call the practice.

If you need an interpreter

If English isn't your first language, you can ask for an interpreter. The Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National), run by the Australian Government, provides interpreting, and many GPs and specialists can use it for free for eligible consultations. Tell the practice when you book so it can arrange an interpreter by phone or, sometimes, in person. Using a professional interpreter, rather than a family member, helps make sure medical information is passed on accurately and privately. If you're deaf or have a hearing or speech impairment, ask about the National Relay Service or Auslan interpreting.

If you're helping someone else

Many people book and attend appointments for a child, partner, parent or friend. If you're a carer:

• ask the person (if they're able) what they want to discuss, and write it down together;
• bring their Medicare card, list of medicines and any notes about changes you've noticed;
• let the GP speak directly to the person where possible, and add your observations;
• ask whether the practice needs written consent for you to receive information on the person's behalf.

Carer Gateway, an Australian Government service, offers free support for carers, including information, counselling and respite. Looking after yourself matters too, so mention your own health at your next appointment.

Tips for older people

If you're older or have several health conditions, appointments can involve a lot of information. Consider:

• booking a longer appointment so there's time to cover everything;
• asking your GP about a medication review, especially if you take several medicines;
• asking about health assessments that may be available for older people;
• bringing a family member or friend for support;
• asking for written information you can read later.

If getting to the practice is hard, ask about telehealth, home visits or community transport options in your area.

Keeping track of your own health information

It's useful to keep your own record of key health information: your conditions, medicines, allergies, vaccinations, test results and the names of your GP and specialists. You can keep a paper folder, a note on your phone, or use My Health Record, the Australian Government's online summary of your health information. My Health Record can hold information such as prescription and dispensing records, pathology and imaging reports, and hospital discharge summaries, depending on what your health providers upload. You can access it through myGov and control some privacy settings. Having this information to hand makes appointments, and especially appointments with new providers, much smoother.

Questions to ask before you leave

• What's the main thing I need to do now?
• Do I need any tests, a referral or a prescription, and how will I get them?
• When and how will I get any results?
• What signs mean I should come back sooner, call healthdirect or go to an emergency department?
• When should I book my next appointment?

Write the answers down or ask the GP to. healthdirect's Question Builder can help you prepare more questions.

The role of your pharmacist

Pharmacists are highly trained health professionals, and you don't need an appointment to talk to one. They can advise on minor ailments, explain how to take your medicines, check for interactions between medicines, and tell you when a problem needs a doctor. Many pharmacies also offer services such as vaccinations and blood pressure checks; ask about costs. If you take several medicines, ask your pharmacist or GP whether a medicines review might help. Your pharmacist can also help you keep an up-to-date medicines list to take to appointments.

How we keep this guide up to date

Medicare rules, government programs and service arrangements change from time to time. We review this guide against the official sources listed below and update the date at the top of the page when we check it. If something has changed, or you spot an error, please let us know through our contact page. Before you rely on any detail, especially eligibility rules, check the official page linked in the sources, or ask your practice or Services Australia directly.

Key points

• Bring your Medicare card, a list of all your medicines and your questions.
• Think about how to describe your symptoms.
• Put your most important concern first.
• Ask questions until you understand, and confirm the plan before you leave.
• Bring a support person or ask for an interpreter if needed.