If you've ever wondered what your GP is thinking during your appointment, this is for you.
The structure of a consultation
Most GP consultations follow a loose structure that doctors learn in training and adapt over years of practice. It usually looks something like this:
**Opening:** The GP invites you to explain why you've come in. This is your chance to set the agenda. Use it.
**History taking:** The GP asks questions to understand your symptoms — when they started, how they feel, what makes them better or worse, and what impact they're having on your life.
**Examination:** Depending on your concern, the GP may examine you physically — checking your blood pressure, listening to your chest, examining a specific area.
**Differential diagnosis:** Internally, the GP is forming a shortlist of possible explanations for your symptoms. They're ruling things in and out based on the information you've given them.
**Explanation:** The GP explains what they think might be going on, what further tests (if any) might be needed, and what the plan is.
**Safety netting:** Good GPs will always tell you what to watch out for and when to come back. This is sometimes called "safety netting" — making sure you know the warning signs that would mean things have got worse.
What GPs find most helpful
When I ask colleagues what makes a consultation easier, the answers are consistent. A clear description of the main symptom. An honest account of how long it's been going on. Knowing what the patient actually wants from the appointment.
That last point matters more than people think. Are you looking for reassurance? A referral? A prescription? A test? The more clearly you can articulate what you need, the more likely you are to get it.
The 10-minute constraint
It's worth being honest about this: 10 minutes is not very long. GPs are not magicians. They cannot fully explore every concern in that time, which is why prioritisation is so important.
If you have multiple issues, don't try to cover all of them at once. Focus on the most important one. If you have a second concern, mention it briefly and ask if a follow-up appointment would be appropriate.
Understanding how your GP thinks won't solve everything. But it might help you work with them more effectively — which is ultimately what better healthcare looks like.