• Think about the main reason you are visiting your doctor. You may have a new health problem: for example, you may have had a fall. You may be making a follow-up visit for a longer-term problem: for example, you may have recently had a stroke or be unhappy with your current medication. Or you could be visiting your doctor for a general health check-up.
  
• Try to concentrate on one health issue at a time. If you need to see your doctor about more than one problem ask for a double appointment, although not every GP surgery will provide this. If you have communication difficulties, you should be able to book a longer appointment. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, arrangements can be made for a sign language interpreter to be present.
  
• Try to be clear about any symptoms you have: for example, where there is pain, what kind of pain it is, and how you are feeling.
  
• You may have had health problems over a period of time before visiting your doctor. Try to write down when the problems occurred and any factors you think may have played a role. Is this problem getting worse? Or does it come and go?
  
• Think about the questions you would like to ask your doctor.

During your appointment it is important that you feel comfortable and can give your doctor the information they need. It is also important to make sure you get the information and advice you need, and that you understand what your doctor tells you.

• Try to be open and honest with your doctor. Remember that everything you say is confidential. Don’t just put on a ‘brave face’ when your doctor asks you questions. Thinking positively is not a bad thing, but your doctor needs to know the full extent of your health problem. If you don't tell your doctor how you are feeling, they will not be able to guess.
  
• Ask questions. If you don’t understand something your doctor has said, ask them to explain it to you. If necessary, ask your doctor to write down the answers and explanations.
  
• You may find it useful to take some notes when the doctor is talking to you. It is easy to forget what your doctor said after you leave the surgery.
  
• You may find it helpful to take someone with you. Having a friend or relative present can make some people feel more comfortable. It can also help to have someone else there to ask questions if you are uncomfortable doing so yourself.