How to Prepare for a Doctor's Appointment: Get More from Your 10 Minutes

A typical GP appointment lasts about ten minutes. That's not much time to explain your concerns, answer questions, and receive guidance. The difference between a frustrating and a productive appointment often comes down to preparation.

Here's how to arrive ready, communicate effectively, and leave with what you need.

Why Preparation Matters

Doctors report that patients who arrive prepared get more from their appointments. The reasons are straightforward:

Time efficiency. With limited minutes, every second spent remembering details or organising thoughts is time not spent on clinical discussion. Accuracy. Memory is unreliable. Details you were certain you'd remember vanish when you're in the consulting room. Written notes preserve accuracy. Prioritisation. When you've thought beforehand about what matters most, you're less likely to leave having forgotten the main concern. Partnership. Prepared patients signal engagement in their own health. This creates better physician-patient collaboration.

Before the Appointment: Information Gathering

Collect this information before your visit:

Your symptom story. When did it start? What does it feel like? Where exactly? What makes it better or worse? Has it changed over time? How does it affect your daily life? Relevant history. Past diagnoses, surgeries, hospitalisations. What treatments have you tried for this issue? What worked, what didn't? Current medications. All prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, supplements, and herbal preparations. Include dosages and how often you take them. Allergies. Medication allergies and what reaction occurred. Family history. If relevant to your concern—for example, family heart disease when discussing chest pain. Recent results. If you've had tests elsewhere or accessed results online, bring them or know where to find them.

Clarify Your Goals

Before arriving, answer these questions:

What's your main concern? Identify the single most important issue. If you have multiple concerns, prioritise them. You may only have time for one or two. What do you want from this appointment? A diagnosis? Reassurance? A referral? Prescription renewal? Treatment options? Knowing your goal helps you communicate it. What questions do you need answered? Write them down. Literally write them. Then you won't forget when you're in the room.

Using AI to Prepare

AI health assistants offer a useful preparation step.

Describe your situation to an AI tool before your appointment. The AI will ask clarifying questions—questions your doctor will likely ask. Thinking through these in advance clarifies your own understanding.

The AI might also help you understand medical terminology, learn about conditions you've been diagnosed with, or generate questions to ask your doctor.

The Wellness A\ consult mode can help you organise your symptoms and concerns into a clear summary. Some people even share this summary with their doctor.

What to Bring

Written notes. A brief summary of symptoms, timeline, and questions. Don't trust memory. Medication list. Or bring the actual medications in their containers. Relevant records. Test results, letters from other doctors, hospital discharge summaries. Diary or log. If you've been tracking symptoms, blood pressure readings, glucose levels, or similar—bring the data. Support person. If you're anxious, dealing with serious news, or have memory concerns, bringing someone can help with listening and remembering.

During the Appointment: Communication Tips

Lead with your main concern. Don't save the important issue for the end. State it clearly at the beginning: "I'm here because of chest pain that's been waking me up." Be specific, not vague. "My head hurts sometimes" gives less to work with than "I get a throbbing pain above my right eye most afternoons, lasting two to three hours, and it's been happening for three weeks." Mention what you're worried about. If you're concerned about a specific condition, say so. "I'm worried this could be cancer" gives your doctor important context. Be honest. About alcohol, smoking, substances, medication compliance, anxiety. Doctors need accurate information to help you. They're not there to judge. Ask questions. Use your prepared list. If you don't understand something, say so. Repeat back key information. "So you're saying I should take this twice daily with food?" Confirming ensures understanding.

Questions Worth Asking

Consider asking:

• What do you think is causing my symptoms?

• What tests might help, and why?

• What are my treatment options?

• What are the benefits and risks of each option?

• What should I do if symptoms worsen?

• When should I follow up?

• Are there reliable sources where I can learn more?

After the Appointment

Write notes immediately. Your memory of what was discussed will fade. Record key points while fresh. Understand next steps. Know what you need to do: tests, prescriptions, follow-up appointments, lifestyle changes. Ask questions later if needed. Many practices have messaging systems. If something is unclear after you leave, ask. Reflect on whether your goals were met. Did you get what you needed? If not, consider a follow-up appointment focused on remaining concerns.

When One Appointment Isn't Enough

Complex or multiple issues may genuinely require more than one appointment. This isn't failure—it's healthcare reality.

Consider booking:

• A longer appointment if your practice offers them

• A follow-up specifically for issues that didn't get addressed

• A different type of consultation (telephone, video) for quick check-ins

How The Wellness A\ Helps

The Wellness A\ can help you prepare for appointments by clarifying symptoms, generating questions, and organising your health information.

Use consult mode to work through your symptoms systematically. The AI asks clarifying questions that prepare you for what your doctor will want to know.

Use learn mode to understand conditions, medications, or tests your doctor mentions.

And if you need a physician consultation, same-day appointments with London-based doctors are available through the platform.

Key Takeaways

• Preparation dramatically improves appointment effectiveness

• Collect symptom details, medication list, and relevant history beforehand

• Clarify your main concern and specific goals for the visit

• Write down questions—literally

• Lead with your most important concern, be specific, and ask for clarification

• Use AI health tools to prepare and organise your information

Try The Wellness A\ free at thewellnesslondon.com/ai-doctor

FAQ Section

How do I bring up embarrassing symptoms with my doctor?

Doctors see everything. Start with "This is embarrassing to mention, but..." and then describe the issue. Doctors understand that embarrassment can delay care and create a safe space for discussion.

What if I forget what my doctor said?

Write notes during or immediately after the appointment. Consider asking if you can record the conversation. Bring a support person who can help remember. Ask for written instructions.

How many concerns can I raise in one appointment?

Focus on one to two main issues. If you have more, prioritise and consider scheduling follow-up appointments for remaining concerns.

What if I disagree with my doctor's recommendation?

Express your concerns respectfully. Ask about alternatives. Seek a second opinion if needed. Ultimately, treatment decisions are yours to make—doctors advise, patients decide.

Should I research my symptoms before my appointment?

Yes, thoughtfully. Use quality sources or AI health tools to understand your symptoms. This helps you communicate effectively. Avoid fixating on worst-case scenarios from random internet searches.

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personal medical concerns.