How to Make the Most of Your 15-Minute Consultation at Our General Practice Clinic

At our clinic, we strive to offer the best care possible within the time available. To help you maximize your standard 15-minute consultation, here are some tips on preparation and what to expect during your visit. This guide will also help set expectations for how we handle multiple issues and when to book follow-up appointments.

Prepare Ahead of Time

List Your Main Concerns

Before your appointment, write down the primary issue(s) you want to address. Focus on one or two concerns, as it may not be possible to safely address more in one appointment. During your appointment, start with the one that is the most important to you. If you have multiple issues, consider booking a double appointment.

Be Specific About Your Symptoms

For each concern, note:
o When the symptoms started and how long they last.
o How severe the symptoms are (e.g., on a scale of 1 to 10).
o Any patterns, triggers, or factors that worsen or relieve your symptoms.
o How the symptoms affect your daily life.

Medication and History

Bring a list of all current medications, including
supplements, and be prepared to discuss any medical history or allergies.

Self-Research

If you’ve done your own research, feel free to share what you’ve
found and whether you have concerns about specific diagnoses or conditions. This
helps us understand your worries and address them directly.

What to Expect from a 15-Minute Consultation

In a 15-minute consultation, our time will usually cover:

• History Taking: We’ll ask questions to understand your symptoms and medical background.
• Focused Examination: A brief physical exam may be performed if necessary.
• Forming a Plan: We’ll discuss a management plan, which could include treatments, medications, or further investigations (such as blood tests or scans). If your symptoms are not immediately clear, we may recommend follow-up tests.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To make the most of your consultation, avoid these common pitfalls:

• Late Arrivals: Please arrive on time or a little early. Arriving late can limit the time available for your consultation.
• No-Show Appointments: If you can’t make it, cancel your appointment ahead of time to avoid no-show charges.
• Too Many Issues: Attempting to address more than one or two issues in a 15-minute appointment may mean that none of them are properly resolved. If you have multiple concerns, book a double appointment. Your clinician may also recommend booking another appointment if they consider there are issues that cannot be resolved in the current appointment.

Booking Follow-Up Appointments

In some cases, the initial consultation may lead to a plan for further investigations, such as
blood tests or scans. If so, you will likely need a follow-up appointment to:

• Review Test Results: Once we have the results, a follow-up appointment is essential to go over the findings and refine the management plan.
• Ongoing Care: For chronic conditions or complex health issues, ongoing management may require several consultations over time.

If more time is needed to address all your concerns, or if your symptoms change, please book a follow-up consultation. While we don’t routinely offer follow-up phone calls, your clinician may decide to pass on messages via the receptionist, nurse, or a text message. Don’t forget, follow-up appointments that do not require physical examinations can also be booked as phone consultations, to be more flexible for your schedule.

Tips for Effective Communication

• Be Concise: Clearly describe your symptoms and concerns. Stick to the most relevant information so we can efficiently assess your health.
• Ask Questions: If anything is unclear, don’t hesitate to ask for clarification. We want you to fully understand the treatment plan.
• Bring a Support Person: If you find it difficult to communicate or remember medical advice, feel free to bring a family member or friend.

Double Appointments for Multiple Issues

If you have multiple concerns or a complex health issue that requires more time, you can book a double appointment (30 minutes). This will allow us to thoroughly address your issues without the pressure of time constraints. Please note that additional fees apply for extended consultations.

Dress Accordingly

If you think there is an physical examination involved, for example a knee check, or blood pressure measurement, please wear clothing that will make it easier for the examination, such as shorts or short sleeve top.